By: Richard L. Smith
A troubling series of shootings across Newark in recent days is drawing renewed attention to gun violence in the city, including incidents occurring in areas where police patrols, businesses and pedestrian activity are common.
The recent violence comes as Newark officials have reported overall crime is down, making the cluster of shootings particularly concerning as police work to prevent additional gunfire.
One of the most serious incidents occurred Monday night in the heart of Downtown Newark, where a man was shot near Broad and Market streets.
The victim was rushed to University Hospital but later died. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the homicide.
The shooting occurred in one of Newark’s busiest commercial areas, where pedestrians, commuters, businesses and police are regularly present.
Just days earlier, at approximately 11:16 p.m. Friday, October 2, Newark Police responded to Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard (Broad Street) near Rector Street after a ShotSpotter notification. Officers searched the area but did not locate any victims.
On Saturday, October 3, another ShotSpotter activation sent officers to the 100 block of Highland Avenue at approximately 9:41 p.m. Again, no victims were located.
Less than 30 minutes later, at approximately 10:03 p.m., police responded to Weequahic Avenue and Aldine Street following another ShotSpotter notification.
Officers later located a shooting victim in the 200 block of Lyons Avenue. The victim was transported to University Hospital and was reported in stable condition.
The incidents raise questions about why gunmen are willing to open fire in areas where they risk being seen by residents, shoppers, surveillance cameras and responding police officers.
Newark Police continue to investigate the shootings while maintaining patrols and using technology such as ShotSpotter to quickly identify and respond to reports of gunfire.
Despite the recent burst of violence, city officials have maintained that Newark continues to see reductions in overall crime based on recently released statistics.
All of the incidents remain under investigation.