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WILKES-BARRE — In what has already been a violent week in the city, a shooting at Interfaith Heights Apartments left two people seriously injured Saturday afternoon.
One male and one female were taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center after a shooting at Unit 292 in the complex near Coal Street. Both victims were reported to be “young,” according to Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis.
The shooting, which took place at approximately 4:15 p.m., was the fourth incident involving guns in the city since Wednesday. None of the incidents appear related.
Wilkes-Barre city police, Luzerne County detectives and members of the FBI swarmed the area, collecting evidence and talking to several residents.
Salavantis was on site immediately after the shooting and could be seen working with representatives from the various law enforcement agencies.
Law enforcement personnel were seen examining what appeared to be a large blood stain in the entrance to one of the buildings in the complex.
Following the initial investigation, Wilkes-Barre police requested help finding a red minivan or SUV, which a post on the department’s Facebook page said was “possibly involved in the shooting.”
Although emphasizing the occupants of the van were being sought for questioning and “not wanted,” the post warned they should be considered armed and dangerous and not be approached.
Any one with any information relating to this incident or who has any knowledge of the described vehicle are asked contact the Wilkes-Barre Police Department at 570-208-4222.
Brian Lee, a resident of the complex and father of six, said when he heard the first reports of shots fired, his first thought was to get his children inside the apartment.
“I believe most of the crime in this area is drug related,” said Lee.
“Kids killing kids,” said Martin Brandon, who lives on nearby Reno Court. “I’m afraid to let my son walk by here for fear he might be hit by a stray bullet.
“When drug activity takes control, you’ve got to take control back.”
Police vehicles reportedly left the crime scene area at about 6 p.m. in pursuit of a vehicle they believed was related to the incident.
Other shooting incidents in the city in the last few days included:
• The body of Peter Bielecki Jr., 49, was found inside 70 Carey Ave. Friday morning. Salavantis said the man appeared to have been shot.
• Two people police did not identify were shot outside Club Envy, an after-hours club at 650 S. Main St., just after 4 a.m. Friday. Police said neither person sustained life-threatening injuries as they were treated at a local hospital.
• Jason Khaleen-Rowe, 25, of Bronx, New York, was shot while handing two handguns to Delroy Toomer, 25, of Scott Street, Wilkes-Barre, just before 10 p.m. Wednesday. Khaleen-Rowe died after being hospitalized.