By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Summit are investigating a shooting incident earlier this morning.
According to police, at approximately 8:35AM on Saturday, June 24, the Summit Police Department received a report of a shooting on Park Avenue.
Witnesses told police that the suspect and two other unidentified males were standing on the sidewalk near 103 Park Avenue.
A fourth male, the victim, drove up, exited his vehicle, and approached the group.
Police said the suspect and victim immediately became engaged in a heated argument that became physical.
The suspect then produced a handgun from his backpack and fired at the victim, striking him three times at close range.
Police said the suspect then fled on foot towards Ashwood Avenue. The victim, a 35-year-old Vauxhall resident, entered his vehicle and drove to the emergency department at Overlook Medical Center where he sought medical attention.
The victim was subsequently transported to Morristown Medical Center where he is currently in critical condition following surgery.
Summit Police discovered that the suspect and victim had been engaged in a personal argument for the past couple of days.
The incident is under investigation by the Summit Police Department and the search for the suspect is ongoing outside of Summit.
At this time, police said they are not releasing any additional information to avoid informing the suspect about the progress of the investigation.