Newark’s Main Street resembled a war zone late Halloween night after gunfire erupted near Choate Street, leaving six people injured and prompting a massive emergency response.
The Newark Police Department confirmed that the shooting occurred Saturday, at approximately 11:13 p.m. on the south sidewalk of East Main Street, directly across from Choate Street. Six people were struck by gunfire, and all six were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Initial reports from the scene indicated that at least four trauma patients suffering from multiple gunshot wounds were transported to Chriestiqana Hospital. Another victim is believed to have suffered a graze wound.
Of the four orginally transported, the ages of the four trauma patients ranged from 15 to 19 years old. One of the shooting victims is believed to have initially been taken to the Newark Emergency Center before being transferred to a trauma center for further treatment. Newark Police have not confirmed that information or released details regarding the patients’ conditions.
The shooting occurred as crowds were celebrating Halloween in the area surrounding the University of Delaware. Following the gunfire, crowds fled the area in panic. Some groups of students returned to their dormitories, with some posting on social media that they were safe and remaining inside. Others reportedly contacted their parents in the middle of the night to reassure them that they were unharmed.
Main Street was closed for approximately five hours between South Chapel Street and Haines Street while investigators processed the scene.
Police have not released the identities or medical conditions of the six victims. Although initial reports indicated that multiple patients suffered serious injuries, there have been no confirmed reports of fatalities.