3 homes struck by gunfire in Newark community as large group seen fleeing: police
Gunshots hit 3 Newark homes; police search for suspects
Gunshots rang out in a Newark community, near a basketball court, and hit three different homes on three different streets. Police are searching for the suspects.
NEWARK, Del. - A typically quiet neighborhood in New Castle County became the scene of a shooting on Monday, but luckily no one was shot.
What we know:
Officers responded to the Four Seasons community in Newark for multiple reports of gunfire around 4:40 p.m.
Three homes were struck in total; one on Sunny Bend, another on Kayak Court, and a third on Sailboat Circle.
However, there were no reported injuries to anyone in the community.
What they're saying:
"At first, you thought it was a firework, just one, two, three. The next thing you know, it was just loud and everywhere," Anna Strickland described the sounds.
Neighbors in the community say the peaceful sound of kids playing outside took a chilling turn to gunshots.
Laurie Cooper said, "It was loud and very traumatic."
"What did it sound like," asked FOX 29’s Kelly Rule.
"Boom, boom, boom, like loud and I was with my little siblings," was her answer.
"It’s scary thinking about the times, in itself, and the fact that kids have guns. It’s really terrifying," Lauren Riley stated. "Why is gun violence happening on a basketball court where teenage kids are supposed to – and the court was set up for healthy play, so kids can kind of get it out of their system and have something productive to do."
What we don't know:
The identity of the suspected shooter(s), along with a possible motive, is still unknown.
Witnesses told police that a large group was seen in the area before the shooting, then fleeing the scene before officers arrived.
Police conducted a search, but no suspects were found.
Big picture view:
Neighbors believe those involved do not live in the community filled with many families and children that spend time outside.
"You immediately want to tell your kids come inside, don’t play outside, especially on a beautiful day, we’re just coming out of winter, you want to be outside," says Riley. "So yeah, it’s scary."
What you can do:
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by dialing (302) 366-7111.
The Source: Information from this article was provided by New Castle County police.