By: Richard L. Smith
An evening basketball game at Branch Brook Park in Newark's North Ward was abruptly canceled Wednesday night after shots were fired in the neighborhood surrounding the park, causing panic and clearing the outdoor court.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said in a statement that the incident occurred around 8:21 p.m. in the 100 block of Clifton Avenue near 7th Avenue.
Police were summoned to the scene following several reports of gunfire while the basketball tournament was filled with spectators.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a large crowd dispursing the area that had been attending the game. Initial reports of a person with a gun led to calls for additional police backup.
While no injuries have been reported, police officers canvassing the area recovered two firearms hidden near the scene.
Police promptly closed Clifton Avenue to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from Victoria Avenue to 7th Avenue as officers launched an extensive search for the suspect, who remains at large.
The ongoing investigation has yet to determine if the shooting was targeted toward someone involved in the basketball tournament at this time. 