Police search for men involved in fatal shooting at CoCo Key Water Resort

Two people were shot, one fatally, after an apparent argument at the CoCo Key Water Resort late Saturday afternoon, sending frightened patrons running into the parking lot.

Witnesses said two or three men fled into woods east of the resort shortly after 5 p.m., setting off a massive search.

The events unfolded across Interstate 70 from Kauffman Stadium, where fans were arriving to watch the Kansas City Royals play the New York Yankees at 6:10 p.m.

The water park, connected to the Adam’s Mark hotel, is at 9103 E. 39th St. No children at the water park were injured, Police Chief Darryl Forté said on Twitter.

The fatally wounded victim died at a hospital. The second shooting victim had injuries that were not considered life-threatening and was taken to a hospital by a private vehicle, police said.

Two witnesses said they were in the lobby of CoCo Key shortly before the shooting and heard a loud argument involving several people.

“My mom said, ‘We better go before they start shooting,’” said Betty Smith, 46, who was at CoCo Key with two dozen family members and friends for her great-niece’s birthday party.

They had just stepped outside the lobby doors when they heard at least two gunshots, Smith said. “That’s when we ran.”

Another witness said he saw three men run past him into the woods east of the water park.

Police were searching a large area, said Sgt. Kari Thompson. She said anyone with information should call 816-474-8477.

Police initially evacuated people out of the hotel but were letting hotel patrons back inside before 7 p.m. People inside CoCo Key were kept inside until around 9 p.m. Parents of children at CoCo Key were asked to pick up their kids at the Denny’s restaurant west of the hotel.

This story was originally published May 16, 2015 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Police search for men involved in fatal shooting at CoCo Key Water Resort."