A 19-year-old faces attempted-murder counts after a South Jersey fight ended with a man shot in the neck near Evergreen Avenue School, authorities said.
At a Glance
- Jasheir Hawkins, 19, was arrested in Mount Ephraim and charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses.
- The victim was driven to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the neck after shots rang out near the school.
- Evergreen Avenue School after-school activities were locked down as a precaution, though classes were not in session.
- Why it matters: The incident unfolded steps from a school campus, prompting a large police response and renewed concerns about neighborhood safety.
The chain of events began shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, when Hawkins and a man got into a physical fight at the Woodlake Apartments on the 200 block of North Evergreen Avenue, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office told News Of Philadelphia.
How the Confrontation Escalated
After the scuffle, Hawkins allegedly sprinted into a wooded area behind the complex, prosecutors said.
The other man climbed into the passenger seat of a third person’s car. The pair drove to their house, only to hear gunfire when they arrived, officials stated.
Bullets struck the driver in the neck. He dove into the backseat for cover while the passenger slid behind the wheel and raced to the hospital, according to investigators.
A witness who heard the shots dialed 911 and gave dispatchers a description of the suspected shooter. That tip helped police identify Hawkins as the alleged gunman, prosecutors said.
Arrest and Charges
Officers located Hawkins in Mount Ephraim and took him into custody. He was charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Weapons offenses
If convicted, Hawkins could face up to 20 years in prison, authorities noted.
School officials placed after-school programs on lockdown as a precaution, even though classes had already ended for the day.
What Happens Next
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Woodbury Police Detective Corrine Byerley at 856-443-3146 or email [email protected].
Key Takeaways
- The shooting stemmed from an earlier fistfight at the apartment complex.
- Quick witness action helped police name a suspect within hours.
- The victim survived a neck wound and was hospitalized.
- Hawkins remains in custody awaiting a court date.
