9-year-old girl shot twice in Newark

A 9-year-old girl has been hospitalized after being shot twice in Newark on Wednesday.

The incident happened just before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday on Holiday Court. 

Police say that the shooting followed an argument that turned into a fight between the injured girl's 15-year-old sister and a 16-year-old girl.

The 16-year-old girl entered the victim's home, where the shooting occurred, with an unknown man who is being sought by police. 

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The 9-year-old girl was shot in her foot and leg. She was reportedly alert and speaking when police arrived and was taken to University Hospital for treatment.

The 16-year-old girl was detained by police as an investigation into the shooting continues. 

"It is tragic that a dispute between two teenagers led to a young child being shot," Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said. "I am thankful that her injuries are non-life-threatening. But this incident speaks to the dilemma facing communities all over the country this summer after children have been away from the structure of their classrooms for the past 15-months due to the pandemic. The economic and social effects of the pandemic are having an impact on violence all across our country."

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