By: Richard L. Smith
Police are actively searching for a suspect who opened fire early Thursday morning near two high schools and a church in Newark’s Central Ward.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred around 12:25 a.m. in the area of 537 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near William Street.
A ShotSpotter device activated and alerted authorities to gunfire in the vicinity, prompting a rapid police response.
The location of the shooting is particularly sensitive, as it sits near Arts High School, St. Benedict's Preparatory School, and St. Mary’s Church.
Officers arriving at the scene discovered shell casings on the ground but found no victims.
A full canvass of the surrounding area, including the grounds of both schools and the church, confirmed that no injuries had occurred.
The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and remains at large. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Newark Police Department.