Four shot at South Jersey birthday party
One male was punched and knocked to the ground outside the Elks Lodge in Paulsboro, then gunshots followed, authorities said.
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Five people were injured, four from gunshots, when a fight erupted at a birthday party early Saturday morning in Paulsboro, authorities said.
The shots were fired outside the Elks Lodge at West Buck and Pennline Streets, according to a release from the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.
None of the victims — identified only as four males and a female — have life-threatening wounds, and the shootings are believed to be an isolated incident among individuals who know one another, said Paulsboro Police Chief Vernon Marino, who added there is no reason for widespread safety concerns in the riverside community. The fifth victim was injured while attempting to flee from the shooting, authorities said.
No arrests had been made by noon Saturday. The incident is under investigation by the Paulsboro Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.
According to the release, police were dispatched to the Elks Lodge at 1:30 a.m. for a report of shots fired. Officers determined that one male had been punched and knocked down outside the club, which was followed by gunfire.
The injured were taken to Inspira Hospital in Woodbury and Cooper University Medical Center in Camden for treatment. Those attending the party were from several communities in Gloucester and Salem Counties, according to the release.
Based on the multiple types of shell casings at the scene, police said they believe more than one shooter was involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Paulsboro Police Department at 856-423-1101, its detectives at 856-423-6222, or Detective Michael Bates of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at 856-384-5552.