NEWARK, OH — A major police presence, including SWAT officers, remains on the scene in Newark following a late-night drive-by shooting that escalated into a violent vehicle crash. The incident unfolded near the 200 block of Conley Avenue, just off National Drive and State Route 13, prompting authorities to shut down portions of the roadway.
According to preliminary reports, multiple 911 calls were received shortly before midnight after gunfire erupted from a passing vehicle. Witnesses described seeing a dark-colored Ford Explorer slow near a residence before several rounds were fired directly at the home. The suspect vehicle then fled the area at a high rate of speed.
Moments later, the SUV reportedly lost control, overturning in a wreck not far from the initial shooting site. The driver was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and sustained injuries. Police and paramedics were quick to respond, though the condition of the driver has not yet been released.
Authorities say the house targeted in the shooting sustained multiple bullet strikes, but it is not yet clear if anyone inside was hurt. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood, speaking with residents, and searching for surveillance footage that may help establish a motive or reveal how many individuals were involved.
The Newark Division of Police has requested assistance from specialized units, with SWAT members deployed to secure the perimeter and ensure no ongoing threat to the community. Bright yellow crime scene tape now surrounds the crash site, while investigators carefully mark evidence on both National Drive and Conley Avenue.
As a result of the investigation, National Drive/State Route 13 near Circle K remains closed, and motorists are advised to seek alternate routes until further notice. The closure has created delays in the area, but authorities stress that public safety is their top priority as they work to reconstruct the events.
No identities of suspects or possible victims have been released at this time. Newark Police have not confirmed whether the shooting was a targeted act or random in nature.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting, the SUV’s occupants, or the events leading up to the crash to come forward. Community members can contact the Newark Police Department directly or provide anonymous tips through Crimestoppers.
“This remains a very active investigation,” a Newark Police spokesperson said early Saturday morning. “We are asking residents to avoid the area as our officers and SWAT continue processing evidence and ensuring the neighborhood is secure.”
Would you like me to frame this more as a developing “community alert” style update (fast-moving info, short bursts) or keep it as a formal long-form news article?
Here’s a detailed news-style write-up expanding your alert into a full article:
BREAKING: Newark SWAT Responds to Drive-By Shooting and Crash on National Drive
NEWARK, OH — A major police presence, including SWAT officers, remains on the scene in Newark following a late-night drive-by shooting that escalated into a violent vehicle crash. The incident unfolded near the 200 block of Conley Avenue, just off National Drive and State Route 13, prompting authorities to shut down portions of the roadway.
According to preliminary reports, multiple 911 calls were received shortly before midnight after gunfire erupted from a passing vehicle. Witnesses described seeing a dark-colored Ford Explorer slow near a residence before several rounds were fired directly at the home. The suspect vehicle then fled the area at a high rate of speed.
Moments later, the SUV reportedly lost control, overturning in a wreck not far from the initial shooting site. The driver was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and sustained injuries. Police and paramedics were quick to respond, though the condition of the driver has not yet been released.
Authorities say the house targeted in the shooting sustained multiple bullet strikes, but it is not yet clear if anyone inside was hurt. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood, speaking with residents, and searching for surveillance footage that may help establish a motive or reveal how many individuals were involved.
The Newark Division of Police has requested assistance from specialized units, with SWAT members deployed to secure the perimeter and ensure no ongoing threat to the community. Bright yellow crime scene tape now surrounds the crash site, while investigators carefully mark evidence on both National Drive and Conley Avenue.
As a result of the investigation, National Drive/State Route 13 near Circle K remains closed, and motorists are advised to seek alternate routes until further notice. The closure has created delays in the area, but authorities stress that public safety is their top priority as they work to reconstruct the events.
No identities of suspects or possible victims have been released at this time. Newark Police have not confirmed whether the shooting was a targeted act or random in nature.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting, the SUV’s occupants, or the events leading up to the crash to come forward. Community members can contact the Newark Police Department directly or provide anonymous tips through Crimestoppers.
“This remains a very active investigation,” a Newark Police spokesperson said early Saturday morning. “We are asking residents to avoid the area as our officers and SWAT continue processing evidence and ensuring the neighborhood is secure.”