By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Newark are investigating a shooting in the city’s North Ward that left two individuals hospitalized Tuesday afternoon, one of them in critical condition.
According to preliminary information, a ShotSpotter device detected multiple rounds of gunfire around 4 p.m. near 39 North 5th Street.
Responding officers arrived within moments and discovered a male suffering a gunshot wound to the stomach.
He was rushed to University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
As detectives continued searching the area for additional victims and evidence, hospital officials alerted police that a second gunshot victim had arrived at University Hospital by private vehicle.
That vehicle, initially safeguarded by Rutgers Police, was later incorporated into the crime scene investigation.
Witnesses told officers that the suspected gunman fled the scene and was reportedly chased by several good Samaritans.
It has not been confirmed whether the individual was ever apprehended.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and police say the circumstances surrounding the incident are under an active and ongoing investigation.
No further details were immediately available. Newark Police officials are expected to release additional information as it becomes available.