A Thursday afternoon double shooting in Newark's South Ward that sent a man and a woman to the hospital has police searching for a suspect.
According to a statement released by Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of 30-year-old Newark resident Mr. Rahiym Washington for attempted murder and aggravated assault in a double shooting incident.
Police say at approximately 12:56 p.m., police responded to the vicinity of Hopkins Place and South 18th Street on reports of a shooting with injuries reported.
Police officers arrived at the scene and found a man and a woman suffering gunshot wounds at that location.
EMS rushed both victims to University Hospital where the male suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. Director Ambrose said both victims are listed in stable condition.
Detectives from the Major Crimes Shooting Response Team developed sufficient evidence identifying Washington as the shooter. They have secured a warrant for his arrest on two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, the unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose according to Director Ambrose.
“I applaud the efforts of the Division’s Shooting Response Team detectives, as well as the patrol officers, who worked quickly to gather the evidence necessary to get the warrant for Washington’s arrest,” said Director Ambrose. Adding, “I commend them all for a job well done.”
Director Ambrose said Washington is 5’11” and 200 lbs. with black hair, brown eyes, and is considered armed and dangerous.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about Rahiym Washington to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.