STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The Wawa on West Main Street in Stroudsburg is a busy place no matter the time of day. As people stopped by the convenience store, they couldn't help but think of the deadly shooting on Saturday night, which claimed the life of 17-year-old Garrett Gearhart, a senior at Stroudsburg High School.
"It's open, and life goes on, and that is part of the heartbreak, too. It's open, and everyone is coming and going like nothing happened," said Tanya Folk, Stroudsburg.
Police say Gearhart was shot in the neck inside Wawa after an argument between several people turned physical.
The person who pulled the trigger fled, and Gearhart was taken to the emergency room, where he died.
People who live nearby say they are filled with emotion after hearing about this act of violence.
"I was born and raised here, so our town was never like this; we never had to worry about murder, especially children with guns. It's crazy and frustrating, and it makes me angry at the same time," said Folk.
"It shouldn't happen; everybody should respect each other and boundaries and respect, but sometimes you just can't stop it," said Chris Harris, Stroudsburg.
For many people in the Poconos, a stop at Wawa is a daily occurrence, so this is the last place they would expect a senseless tragedy.
"There is danger everywhere but not here, not in the Poconos, not in a Wawa for a 17-year-old," added Folk.
"Literally, every day I wasn't down here when it happened, but I did see it lit up like the 4th of July, so I didn't think it was a shooting; I was thinking somebody robbed it," said Harris.