By: Richard L. Smith
A deadly shooting on a bustling avenue in Newark's Central Ward on Friday night has prompted a full-scale investigation by Essex County law enforcement.
The incident, which claimed the life of an unidentified male, is now under the scrutiny of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office as officials intensify their search for the suspect.
A preliminary investigation indicated that at around 9:45 p.m., Newark police responded to reports of gunfire on Springfield Avenue near Boyd Street.
Arriving officers found shell casings and the victim with gunshot wounds.
The shooting was initially detected by a ShotSpotter device, which was activated after the assailant fired over a dozen rounds at the victim.
According to reports, the suspect fled the scene in a white Acura MDX with New Jersey license plate "U75-PPH," last seen heading towards Irvine Turner Boulevard.
After Newark Police officials notified regional departments, officers canvassed the South Ward and located the abandoned vehicle on Badger Avenue. However, the suspect remains at large.
The victim was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
Authorities are actively piecing together the motive behind this violent attack, with authorities calling for public assistance in this ongoing and active investigation.