By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Police are currently conducting an extensive search in a South Ward community for a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that left a woman injured earlier this afternoon.
The incident happened amid a barrage of multiple gunshots at approximately 2 p.m. near 195 Shephard Avenue.
The scene prompted a swift response from law enforcement officers, who arrived at the location to find a woman suffering from excruciating pain.
A bullet had struck her in the back while she was in the neighborhood.
The victim, an unidentified woman who remained alert and conscious despite her injuries, was promptly transported to University Hospital.
Fortunately, she is reported to be in stable condition at this time.
The suspect, however, managed to evade capture, reportedly fleeing the scene in a vehicle shortly after the shooting.
Newark's Shooting Response Team, working diligently to piece together the sequence of events, has discovered shell casings near 186 and 195 Shepherd Avenue, shedding some light on the violent episode.
Given the ongoing police investigation and the active manhunt for the suspect, authorities have advised residents and bystanders to avoid the area surrounding Shepherd Avenue.