Teen charged in shooting near University of Delaware that wounded him, 6 others, police say
Seven people, including three teenagers, were injured in a shooting near the University of Delaware's campus in Newark Saturday night, according to police. One of the seven shooting victims is a student at the school, police said.
The shooting happened shortly after 11 p.m. in the area of Main and Choate streets.
What to know about shooting near University of Delaware
Four teens — a 16-year-old boy, two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy — were wounded in the shooting, police said.
The 16-year-old was shot multiple times and placed in serious condition, according to police. He had a loaded firearm, which was recovered by officers. The 16-year-old, who is from Wilmington, Delaware, was charged with possession of a firearm by a person under 21, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and breach of release, police said.
Police said the 16-year-old was arraigned by a judge and given $60,100 cash bail.
One of the 15-year-olds was shot in the back and placed in critical condition, police said. The other was shot in his foot and placed in serious condition.
A 19-year-old man was shot in the back, while a 20-year-old man was also shot, resulting in a collapsed lung, according to police. They're both in serious condition at the hospital.
A 21-year-old woman who sustained a graze wound to her leg was treated and released from the hospital, police said.
Police said Tuesday they discovered an additional victim, a 17-year-old boy who sustained a graze wound to his lower body. He initially left the scene and did not report the injury until he was located Monday, authorities said. He was treated at a hospital and released.
University of Delaware cancels classes Monday after shooting
The shooting happened as Main Street was crowded with students dressed in Halloween costumes visiting bars and restaurants. Videos from the area show a crowd running after hearing gunshots.
University leadership announced Sunday that the campus would remain open, but classes would be canceled on Monday, Nov. 2. The university is also closed for Election Day, so classes are set to resume Wednesday, Nov. 4.
"This decision is not based on a safety concern. Newark Police continue to indicate that there is no ongoing threat to the community," an announcement states.
Students were encouraged to gather and support one another.
In a letter posted Sunday morning, University of Delaware President Laura Carlson told the school community to think of the victims as they receive care at the hospital.
"Please also recognize the impact and toll on our students and community members who were on Main Street last night and witnessed this violence," Carlson wrote.
Carlson said she was also grateful for first responders who responded within minutes from across New Castle County and the state of Delaware.
Gov. Matt Meyer said his administration is supporting law enforcement during their investigations into this shooting and another shooting in Ellendale, Delaware, that killed one person and injured eight.
"Every Delawarean deserves to feel safe in their community. This is not normal. We must never accept gun violence as a part of life in Delaware," Meyer said in a statement.
Main Street was closed for about five hours during the police investigation.
Anyone with photos or video that may have captured the incident is asked to contact Newark police.
"I want justice for everyone"
Landen Singleton said he helped a victim of Saturday night's shooting. He wrapped his shirt around the person's gunshot wound and applied pressure.
"I really wasn't focused on anything else other than making sure this kid stays alive, that was my main priority," Singleton said.
Brandon Doughton, a junior at the University of Delaware, said he was also in the area when the shooting happened and took off running.
"I haven't slept since this ... I don't want anyone to be hurt; I watched people get hurt in front of me. I want justice for everyone."
Emma Joraski-Bellman, who lives in Newark, said she had planned on walking around Saturday night, but her plans changed last minute.
"We are thankful it did," she said.
