Dallas police are hunting for people of interest after a shooting on Commerce Street in Deep Ellum during Cinco de Mayo celebrations left five people wounded and sent crowds scattering. New surveillance video released by investigators shows the chaotic moments after gunfire erupted just after 10 p.m. on May 5, and detectives have identified two individuals they want to question. The incident happened a block from an unrelated deadly shooting on Elm Street that claimed the life of security guard Joseph Gray, while a suspect in that killing, Detorius Tarver, has been arrested. Detective Lauren Kebart is handling tips for the Commerce Street case as investigators continue to piece together what happened that night in Dallas.
The surveillance footage released by Dallas Police captures people running and ducking for cover as shots ring out on Commerce Street. In the grainy video, two people sprint away from the scene — one wearing a gray or white tracksuit, the other in a bright blue hoodie and black pants. Investigators say those two are persons of interest and want to speak with them as part of the ongoing inquiry. Police have urged anyone who recognizes them to come forward and help fill in the gaps around the shooting.
Authorities have confirmed five people were struck and transported to local hospitals for treatment, and all survived their injuries. Officials have not disclosed how many shooters were involved and have left open the possibility that attempted murder charges could be filed against those responsible. The Commerce Street shooting unnerved Deep Ellum visitors and sent a ripple of concern through nearby businesses and residents. For now, detectives are focused on identifying suspects and establishing a clear timeline of events leading up to the gunfire.
The Commerce Street incident occurred the same night an unrelated homicide took place just a block away on Elm Street, where 26-year-old security guard Joseph Gray was killed. Police say Gray was shot while trying to break up a fight at a club, and his family said he had been working extra shifts after learning he was going to become a father. In that case, police have arrested 24-year-old Detorius Tarver, who faces a murder charge. The close timing and proximity of the two shootings made it a grim and chaotic night for Deep Ellum that has left the community shaken.
Investigators released the surveillance clips hoping the public could help identify the two people seen fleeing after the Commerce Street gunfire. One figure in the footage wears what appears to be a gray or white tracksuit and runs with urgency through the crowd, while another in a bright blue hoodie moves quickly toward an exit. Those details might seem small, but detectives say clothing and direction of travel can help trace movements and corroborate witness statements. The police appeal underscores how crucial even brief video frames can be in violent crime probes.
Officers have not announced any arrests tied to the Commerce Street shooting, and they are asking anyone with tips to contact Detective Lauren Kebart directly at 214-671-3668. Tips may also be sent by email to [email protected], and the case number investigators are using is 064315-2026. Police emphasize that community leads often make the difference in fast-moving cases like this one, and they are appealing to locals and visitors who were in Deep Ellum that night to check their phones and dashcams. Even a short clip or a single memory could bring clarity to the timeline and identify suspects.
Deep Ellum business owners and patrons have been vocal about the need for public safety measures after the violence disrupted what had been a crowded night of festivities. The shootings sparked talk about security at nightlife venues and whether more visible policing could deter similar incidents. Police commanders have said they will review patrol patterns and work with venue operators to balance safety with the neighborhood’s lively character. For residents and regulars, the priority is returning the area to the busy nightlife hub it was before that string of shootings.
Family and friends of Joseph Gray have shared memories of his work ethic and his plans for fatherhood, painting a picture of a man trying to support his future child. The community response to Gray’s death has been immediate and emotional, and his homicide case moved quickly to an arrest in Detorius Tarver. Meanwhile, the Commerce Street investigation remains open, and detectives continue to follow leads and sift through available footage. Police are careful to separate the two incidents publicly while acknowledging how their proximity heightened fear and confusion that night.
Officials stress that anyone who witnessed the shootings or who saw suspicious activity in Deep Ellum on the night of May 5 should reach out to police, even if the information seems minor. Witness accounts, video clips, and recollections about the direction people moved or vehicles used can all be critical pieces of an investigation. Law enforcement personnel are continuing interviews and neighborhood canvasses to gather more details. The department says transparency and community cooperation are central to resolving the case and bringing any suspects to justice.
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