(UPDATED) MURFREESBORO, TN - The sound of gunshots prompted area residents to call the police on Thursday evening in downtown Murfreesboro. The shots were reportedly fired on North Spring Street near the East Chestnut Street intersection.

According to initial reports, the gunfire likely originated from at least one, if not two, moving vehicles. Fortunately, a tree in front of a North Spring Street home bore the brunt of the gunfire, possibly preventing any human casualties.

One resident told WGNS News, “We have one of the City’s new gunshot detectors within sight of the house. We do hear gunshots frequently, but never this close.”

The shooting reportedly occurred at a time when most families were sitting down for dinner. Downtown homeowner James Manning said, “I was making dinner when I heard three shots, a pause, and then about four more.”

Loud gunshots were particularly noticeable because most children were inside, rather than playing or riding bikes along the usually quiet downtown roads. One person on North Spring Street highlighted, “I grabbed my phone and ran outside calling dispatch at 6:56. The shooters had already sped away and none of our cameras caught anything.” In the minutes following the gunfire, neighbors quickly checked on each other to ensure the safety of their friends and family.

Homeowners indicate that approximately seven shots were fired during the incident, with one bullet grazing a 60+ year old Northern Catalpa tree in the front yard of a home.

Manning stated, “The officers were here quickly, found quite a few bullets or shell casings, and were very tolerant of all our questions. Thank you MPD!”

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to authorities. As of now, no arrests have been made.