MALDEN, Mass. (WHDH) -- Police are investigating two reported shootings in Malden in a matter of 12 hours. One shooting occurred Saturday afternoon, the other early Saturday morning.

“The pops were so small I didn't think it was gunshots, to be honest with you,” said one witness.

Police are investigating a pair of shootings Saturday. One happened right outside a popular bowling alley.

“It sounded like fire crackers.”

Police said two men had been arguing in the parking lot over an ex-girlfriend. The heated exchange turned violent and the victim was shot in the leg.

“I grew up here my whole life and it’s not the same place it used to be, it’s getting more violent every day,” said Carl Redford who works nearby.

Investigators said the suspect took off in a Nissan Maxima. The car was recovered a short distance away, but the alleged shooter was nowhere in sight.

Workers nearby are on high alert and the building has been inspected for bullet holes.

“I wouldn't raise my kids here, no,” said Heidi Giunta who works nearby.

The District Attorney's office is also investigating a separate shooting. A 28-year-old victim is fighting for his life after police said he'd been shot in the area of Cross and Ferry streets around 2:30 in the morning.

“I didn't even know about the other one until you just said it. It's scary,” said Giunta.

Police don't think the shootings Saturday are related, but emotions in town, are running high.

Police are confident both shootings are not related but the surge in violence has caught the mayor’s attention tonight.

“We should be all concerned about what’s going on in our community and the surrounding communities, but the thing I feel comfortable saying to you right now is that the Malden PD are all over this situation and I’m pleased with the info I’m getting from them as to what they're doing,” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson.

One man said his cousin was the victim in this morning's shooting. He said he suffered gunshot wounds to the chest. The injuries in that case, police confirmed, are life-threatening.

Both cases are under investigation.

There was no word of any arrests.