By: Richard L. Smith
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is investigating a violent shooting incident that killed a male victim in the South Ward Wednesday night.
According to County authorities, Newark officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 100 block of Ridgewood Avenue around 9:57 p.m.
Arriving officers found an unidentified male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead shortly after the encounter, officials confirmed with RLS Media.
According to preliminary reports, during the fatal shooting investigation, University Hospital officials alerted police that an individual had arrived at the emergency room with gunshot wounds.
Investigators are trying to determine if this victim was also involved in the Ridgewood Avenue shooting.
As police scoured the neighborhood for the suspect, the motive behind this violent act is still under investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.