By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Essex County are searching for a suspect who opened fire near a Newark housing complex, injuring two people late Thursday night.
According to preliminary reports, a ShotSpotter device detected gunfire near Georgia King Village in the city’s West Ward around 9:40 p.m., prompting a police response.
Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim suffering from a gunshot wound at the scene.
As detectives canvassed the area, they located a second individual who had also been struck by gunfire in the rear of the housing development.
Both victims were transported to University Hospital for treatment.
While the extent of their injuries was not immediately disclosed, initial reports indicated that they were not considered life-threatening.
The suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Newark’s Shooting Response Team has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.