By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Essex County are investigating an early morning shooting incident at a banquet hall in Newark's West Ward Monday morning.
Emergency responders were called to a severe car crash in Newark's West Ward, where they found an overturned vehicle with two people inside suffering from gunshot wounds.
The incident, which happened around 3 a.m. at the intersection of Sanford Avenue and Abinger Place, prompted an immediate police response to reports of individuals trapped inside the vehicle.
Upon arrival, law enforcement quickly coordinated with firefighters and rescue crews to assist in extricating the occupants.
Two individuals were removed from the wreckage, one of whom was unresponsive due to gunshot injuries.
Investigations at the scene revealed that the shooting occurred at 795 Sanford Avenue, Family Manor restaurant and banquet hall.
Initial reports indicated that three individuals were shot at this location, with two of the victims fleeing in the car that subsequently crashed.
The Major Crimes Unit has cordoned off both the shooting and crash sites, and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office has been notified.
With the motive for the shooting still under active investigation, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident.
