A 34-year-old Bridgeport man is in critical condition after being struck by gunfire during a drive-by shooting outside a birthday party Saturday night, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.

Shortly after 9 p.m., the department's ShotSpotter system detected approximately 20 gunshots on Benham Avenue.

Around the same time, dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting that a person had been shot in front of a residence on the street.

Responding officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of his shoulder and was rushed to St. Vincent's Hospital in critical condition, according to police.

Witnesses told investigators the victim was standing among a crowd gathered outside for a birthday party, which included several children, when a vehicle drove past and multiple shots were fired.

The vehicle then fled the area at a high rate of speed. As the gunfire erupted, witnesses say children at the gathering ran inside the home for safety.

Benham Avenue remained closed until shortly after 11:30 p.m. while members of the Police Department's Major Crimes Unit processed the scene and collected evidence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Albert Palatiello at 203-581-5226.