By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Police officers are being credited for their quick medical response to a shooting victim found in the city's West Ward on Saturday evening.
The incident was reported shortly before 6:55 p.m. in the area of 459 South 14th Street, near 14th Avenue, following a ShotSpotter activation that alerted officers to the shooting.
Upon arrival, units discovered a male victim suffering heavy bleeding from his leg.
Demonstrating prompt and critical care, the officers applied a tourniquet to the wound before the victim was swiftly transported to University Hospital for further treatment.
Police subsequently cordoned off by police as they searched for shell casings and other evidence.
Residents expressed concerns to RLS Media, citing over 25 years of unchecked and out-of-control drug dealing/trafficking in the area, highlighting a longstanding issue that they feel has not been adequately addressed by Newark Police officials.
'While parts of Newark is improving, the West Ward and the 14th Avenue corridor seem trapped in a nearly three-decade-long rut of undesirable conditions and rampant open-air drug dealing that has seen little intervention from the police'. -14th Street resident
The victim, fortunately, is in stable condition and expected to recover.
Residents suspect loitering and drug activity as the cause, but police have yet to release a motive, with the shooting remaining an active and ongoing investigation.
Currently, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The community remains alert as authorities continue their efforts to ensure safety and bring the shooter to justice.