Reports: Gunfire In Wilmington Leads To Lockdown In New Jersey

Update: At around 1:30 Thursday afternoon Wilmington Police Department Spokesman David Karas said that Wilmington Police are investigating after a shots fired complaint with no injuries. He also said that the incident did not involve police nor were they targeted.

Karas did not elaborate on the reports that Wilmington Police gave chase into New Jersey.

Original Story

Wilmington – On Wednesday evening the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) was investigating gunfire in the 500 block of North Monroe Street.

Although Wilmington Police have yet to release details surrounding the incident, initial reports indicate that authorities pursued three gunmen across the Delaware Memorial Bridge into Pennsville Township, New Jersey.

As events unfolded, a Pennsville Town Watch Facebook post warned residents to stay inside and lock their doors. “Especially Central Park residents. Please stay inside and lock your doors. Be vigilant and report any suspicious people or sounds. There are people on the loose from a vehicle chased from Delaware. …Possibly armed! Police are searching but residents will make things easier if they stay inside.”, read the post.

One commentator on the New Jersey post said that the suspect tried to carjack his mother:

“Pennsville people: 3 guys in dark clothing just attempted to carjack my mom’s car tonight on Oliver near Central Park school. Police are taking report now. She is fine and they didn’t get anything thankfully. If you’re in Pennsville keep a lookout tonight.”, read that reply.

The incident alarmed Pennsville Township residents prompting the local school superintendent to issues a statement regarding school on Thursday.

“This is Dr. Brodzik, Superintendent of Schools. I apologize for contacting you at this hour but I wanted to share some important information related to the suspects who fled from police earlier tonight in the area of Central Park. As you can imagine, we’re receiving questions about any potential effect on the school day tomorrow.

We’ve been in constant communication with law enforcement throughout the evening and have reached a point with the situation where the police are confident that there is no danger to our students or staff for the normal operation of schools tomorrow. Again, at this time, we anticipate a normal day of school tomorrow based on the information that we have received from law enforcement.

Our local police department will provide a presence at our buildings tomorrow, as they always do while our in-house security staff patrols the buildings and grounds.

Thank you and have a good night.”

First State Update has contacted all of the relevant agencies and is awaiting additional information regarding the incident.

Developing

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