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Police: Four Shootings in Wilkes-Barre Connected

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Officers in Wilkes-Barre are investigating four shootings over four days. No one was hurt in two separate incidents on Tuesday, but po...

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- Officers in Wilkes-Barre are investigating four shootings over four days. No one was hurt in two separate incidents on Tuesday, but police say these shootings are all connected.

The latest happened late Tuesday night on Dagobert Street. No one was hurt, but witnesses say a dozen shots were fired into a home.

Officials say the gunfire is a result of an on-going fight between two rival groups in Wilkes-Barre.

"Obviously, there's a danger because they are firing guns into open areas where people are around and cars are driving, so obviously there is a danger. You just need to be aware of their surroundings and if they see anything, to report that immediately," said Wilkes-Barre Police Chief Joe Coffay.

Police say the feud started several weeks back, but it escalated on Saturday night when someone was shot on Bowman Street.

Then on Monday, police say someone fired into a home on Lockhart Street. No one was hurt.

Officers say someone fired shots at an SUV at the intersection of Dana and High Streets Tuesday afternoon. The person in that SUV then drove it to police headquarters. No one was hurt.

Officers say it doesn't seem to be gang or drug-related, but the shootings are connected.

"It's more dispute-related from what we understand. It's people fighting with each other, and they're taking it to the point where they're firing guns at each other," Coffay said.

Neighbors tell Newswatch 16 the neighborhood used to be quiet and safe, but they don't feel that way anymore.

Newswatch 16 talked to two neighbors who didn't want to show their faces on camera, because they were too afraid of the consequences.

"It's almost the norm anymore. It's almost the norm. Every day there's something going on you have to worry about. You know, it's the innocent people that are going to get shot," said one man.

"I think we're all on edge wanting to know what's being done. What can be done? Are we in danger? Do I have to worry when I come out my door that I'm going to catch a stray shot?" asked a woman.

Police say they haven't made any arrests yet, but they have strong leads on a suspect after the Dana Street incident.

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