Passaic county authorities said at approximately 12:55 a.m., members of the Passaic Police Department responded to the area of Lafayette and Howe avenues in Passaic on a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, the police located a potential crime scene and a 4-year-old child, a 21-year-old female from Passaic, a 25-year-old female, and a 29-year-old Newark resident, who each sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds.
The victims were immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for treatment.
Police located a fifth victim, a 21-year-old male Passaic resident, who had sustained a graze wound during the shooting and refused medical treatment.
Based on the preliminary investigation, a group gathered for an event in the backyard of a residence located at Lafayette and Howe avenues when two unknown gunmen opened fire, striking the victims.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact them on their tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Passaic Police Department at 973-365-3900.