Authorities: Somerset County Teen Shot, Police Investigating

Authorities are investigating a shooting in Somerset County on Monday night.

Franklin Township Police responded to a 911 call for shots fired in the area of Naaman Williams Park in Somerset, New Jersey at approximately 7:20 p.m. Monday, March 16, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. After canvasing the area for victims, witnesses or suspects, authorities learned an unidentified 19-year-old male was shot in back left thigh. The victim was being treated at an area hospital.

Investigators have determined the victim was walking with a group of approximately 10 males, after playing basketball at Naaman Williams Park. As the group of males was walking in the area of the children’s playground, authorities said three unknown males allegedly brandished firearms and fired upon the group of males as they fled in separate directions. The 19-year-old male was struck in the back of the leg as he fled and is the only victim identified.

Police described the unidentified assailants as black males, wearing dark clothing and were last seen fleeing the area on foot toward Route 27.

No other victims were identified. One unoccupied vehicle on Mark Street sustained damage from a bullet fired during the incident, the prosecutor’s office said.

Police are working to determine a motive for the shooting and to identify any witnesses to the shooting.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net and click on either “Crime Stoppers” or “Tips Hotline”. All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.