SALEM, Ore. - Three young men were shot in a Salem park on Tuesday and police are trying to track down the person who opened fire on them.

The shooting happened around 4 p.m. at Northgate Park, located in north Salem.

According to the Salem Police Department, three young men were sitting on a park bench when a Hispanic male (between 16 to 18 years old) approached them.  There was some sort of conversation, the man opened fire and then fled the scene.  Police said there was no indication of an argument or fight prior to the shots being fired.

One of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot in the head.  Another victim was shot multiple times and a third was shot once.  All three are being treated at Salem Hospital.

"I really don't know why they shot him," said Anthony Chavez, who is a friend of the victim who was shot in the head.  "It's kind of messed up, you know."

Witnesses said the scene was horrific because there were lots of kids and families in the park when the shots rang out.

Police immediately swarmed the park and began actively looking for the shooter in the nearby neighborhood.  They were canvassing folks and asking those who live in the area to report suspicious activity.

The suspect was wearing blue shorts and a light-colored shirt and was carrying a black backpack.  He has short, black, close-cut hair.

Police have not been able to determine a motive at this time. Anybody with information about this incident is asked to call the Salem Police Department at (503) 588-6123.