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Critical Injuries Reported for Chicken Shack Employee Shot in Newark's Central Ward

Newark

Police are on the search for a suspect wanted for a shooting that injured a store employee at a location in the city’s Central Ward Wednesday night.

According to authorities, gunfire rang out inside the Royal Fried Chicken, located at 236 South Orange Avenue at approximately 9:30 p.m.

When police arrived at the scene, they found a male victim struck by bullets in his neck at that location.

Police say officers canvassing the area also found shell casings inside the chicken shack.

The victim was rushed the very short distance to University Hospital, where he was reportedly in critical condition as of 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Acquaintances and customers at the restaurant said the victim is the owner/manager "Muhammad" of the chicken shack and is well known and respected in the community. Police have not confirmed the identity of the victim at this time.

A preliminary investigation indicated that an unidentified armed black male -possibky wearing blue- entered the restaurant and began to fire shots at the victim for an unknown reason. He then ran from the scene.

The motive for the shooting is under investigation and the suspect remains at-large.

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