Six people were shot on a packed Halloween night steps from the University of Delaware, and police are asking anyone with video to help them find the shooter.
Story Highlights
- Newark Police say six people were shot and all six were taken to local hospitals.
- The gunfire broke out at about 11:13 p.m. on East Main Street, across from Choate Street.
- Witnesses say the victims looked about 15 or 16 and were likely not university students.
- One bystander ran toward the victims and used his own shirt to slow the bleeding of a teen shot in the stomach.
Six Shot as Halloween Crowds Filled Main Street
Newark Police say six people were shot at about 11:13 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, on the south sidewalk of East Main Street, directly across from Choate Street in Newark, Delaware. That stretch sits at the edge of the University of Delaware campus and was crowded with people in costume. Police have not released a motive or named a suspect. All six victims were taken to local hospitals, and police have not released their names or conditions. No deaths have been reported.
The gunfire sent crowds running from nearby bars and restaurants. A video shared on social media showed a crowd running down Main Street as a large police force arrived. The university sent an emergency alert at 11:29 p.m. telling people to stay away from the area. Officers from Newark Police, the university police and Delaware State Police worked the scene through the night.
Where and When It Happened
Main Street was closed from Library Avenue through Academy Street while investigators gathered evidence. Officers were seen looking over debris on the sidewalk. Students who needed help getting home were told to call the university police. By 5:45 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, the university said Main Street had reopened.
Some early reports placed the shooting in an alley off Main Street. Police and the university put it on the Main Street sidewalk across from Choate Street. Police said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
A Bystander Steps In
One bystander ran toward the victims instead of away. He found a young man who had been shot in the stomach, took off his shirt and pressed it against the wound. He held the teen’s hand and kept him awake until first responders arrived. That victim was described as seriously hurt. “It’s very, very, very upsetting,” the bystander said.
Witnesses at the scene said the victims appeared to be about 15 or 16 years old and were likely not University of Delaware students. Police have not confirmed any ages. Local reports said at least four of the wounded were taken to a trauma center with multiple gunshot wounds, and one more was believed to have a graze wound.
As rumors spread online, Klondike Kate’s, a well-known Main Street restaurant, put out a statement saying the shooting did not happen inside the restaurant or on its property.
Police Ask the Public for Help
Newark Police have not reported any arrests. They are asking anyone with surveillance footage, phone video, photos or other information to send it in. People can upload video or photos through the department’s evidence link, or call Detective Paige Klein at 302-366-7100, extension 3480.
A crowded holiday night means many phones were out and recording. Those clips may be the fastest way to put a name to the person who opened fire. One young man’s quick thinking with a shirt may have saved a life on Main Street. The next step belongs to the people who saw what happened and can help police finish the job: find the shooter and bring that person to account.
Sources:
fox29.com, udel.edu, usatoday.com, delawareonline.com, newsnationnow.com, nbcphiladelphia.com