FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (1010 WINS) – Officials arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with a shooting at a house party in New Jersey, state officials announced at a press briefing Monday morning.
The suspect was identified as Kevin Dawkins, a Bridgeton, New Jersey resident by Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae.
According to NJSP Colonel Pat Callahan the man was arrested and charged on Sunday and additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Fourteen people were shot, two of them fatally, at the South Jersey house party on Saturday night, police said.
"This was not a random act of violence this was a targeted attack," Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said of the shooting during the briefing.
Two people were killed, according to state police.
The victims were later identified as Kevin Elliot, 30, and Asia Hester, 25. Both were Bridgeton, New Jersey residents, Grewal said.
Twelve other people were wounded, police said. One of the victims was in critical condition.
The shooting happened at a house on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township, about an hour outside of Philadelphia in Cumberland County, shortly before midnight, police said.
Hundreds of people were said to be at the 90s-themed party, where guests ranged from teenagers to senior citizens. Photos show overturned pop-up party tents, tables and chairs, and debris throughout the home's yard.
Two cousins who live in the area of the shooting said they heard music from the party until after midnight, then a series of shots—at least 15 of them over a few minutes.
Joeron Pierce and James Pierce, who live in homes next to each other, said that there was chaos after that. Partygoers ran through their yards and asked to come into their houses. They said cars ran into one other trying to speed away.
No arrests have been reported.
Gov. Phil Murphy responded to the shooting in a statement, saying in part, "This despicable and cowardly act of gun violence only steels our commitment to ensuring New Jersey leads the nation in passing and enforcing strong and commonsense gun safety laws. No community should ever experience what occurred last night in Fairfield."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station at 856-451-0101 or submit a tip via the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office tip website at www.njccpo.org/tips.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.