CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A 6-year-old girl is recovering from a gunshot wound as Camden County police investigate a shooting during the July Fourth fireworks show on the waterfront on Tuesday night.
The shooting happened close to Wiggins Park just after 10 p.m. Police say it began as an argument between two groups. One person fired a gun, and the girl was struck in the knee. She was treated at a hospital and is expected to make a full physical recovery.
Police say three people were initially detained by police and let go, and they recovered a gun. At this point, there is no word yet on a motive. A teenager from Philly is believed to be the one who pulled the trigger, but there isn’t enough evidence to charge him yet.
“One of the suspects has a tie to Philadelphia and we just want to send a clear message to the thugs and criminals and gun-bearing freaks over in Philadelphia who live in a society of lawlessness. We don’t want you here,” Camden County Commissioner Lou Cappelli said.
“Stay out of Camden. Stay out of Camden County. Stay out of New Jersey. Keep your barbaric behavior in Philadelphia.”
Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen said three other people sustained minor injuries, as people scrambled to get away from the scene. They are expected to be physically OK.
The mayor, who was present when the shooting happened, seconded Cappelli’s remarks and said prosecutors are working hard to lock up this suspect.
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“It’s a senseless act and irresponsible. I mean, it’s no place for guns,” Carstarphen said.
“There’s no room, in particular, for what’s happening when people come to our community that we worked hard on and building trust and confidence with our residents and our families. We won’t go for that.”
Joseph Wintling was in attendance with his girlfriend when people started yelling that there was a shooting, but it wasn't clear what happened or who was hit. But they saw people panic and run.
“First you don’t really know what’s happening,” Wintling said. “Your natural reaction is to grab your kids, grab your loved ones and just start running.”
Police say they are continuing to collect evidence, and they want to hear from anyone who has any information about the incident that can help bring the suspect to justice. Authorities say they know where to find the suspect if or when they get enough evidence to charge.
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