A rough overnight in Newark where as many as five people were reportedly struck by gunfire leaving one dead, has Essex County authorities investigating.
Police first responded to shots fired in the area of Chadwick and Clinton Avenues where gunfire rang out around 11:15 p.m. One person was taken to University Hospital and was said to be in serious condition. A search of the area for a possible shooter and other evidence lasted for several hours. A motive for the shooting is under investigation.
Shortly before midnight, several rounds of gunfire rang out in the the 800 block of South 19th Street sending scores of police rushing to the scene. Upon arrival by authorities, three people were struck by gunfire. One of the victims was struck in the leg, while the other two were reportedly struck to their lower legs/ feet. The injured were taking to University Hospital where all of the victims are expected to survive. A search of the of the area by police yielded at least one house that was penetrated by gunfire. Police are looking for a van that was last seen fleeing the area.
Police responded to shots fired in the 200 block of Leslie Street around 12:30 a.m. where they found a male victim shot and fatally wounded. A crime scene was established and a search of the area for a possible shooter and other evidence was conducted. A dark colored vehicle, possibly a Chevy Impala was reportedly last seen fleeing the area.
It is not immediately known if the three shootings are connected. The shootings are being investigated by Newark Police and Detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.