Monroe County, PA – Police are searching for Unique Kaheem Johnson, a 20-year-old man wanted in connection with a Halloween party shooting in East Stroudsburg that left a 16-year-old girl injured. Meanwhile, Benjamin Carl Booth, 18, has been arrested and charged in the same incident.
The Incident: Teen Girl Shot During Halloween Party
The shooting occurred on Friday night, October 13, at approximately 11:42 p.m., when Pennsylvania State Police responded to a 911 hangup call from a residence on Carillon Drive in East Stroudsburg. Authorities quickly learned that the area was hosting a large Halloween party and that a teenage girl had been struck by gunfire during the altercation.
Police investigations revealed that during the party, Benjamin Carl Booth and Unique Kaheem Johnson became involved in a verbal altercation with other individuals outside the home. As the confrontation escalated, Johnson pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds at the individuals involved in the dispute.
“During this incident, the 16-year-old girl was unfortunately struck by gunfire,” a police spokesperson confirmed. “She was immediately transported to a local hospital where she was treated for the injury.”
The victim’s condition was described as stable, and she is expected to survive her injuries.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the shooting, Benjamin Carl Booth was taken into custody and charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and other related offenses. However, Unique Kaheem Johnson remains at large and has an active arrest warrant for attempted homicide.
“We have a warrant out for Johnson’s arrest. While there is no ongoing threat to public safety, we are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately,” said a Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson.
Authorities have made it clear that Johnson should not be approached by the public and that anyone who sees him or has information on his location should call 911 immediately.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Appeal
Although police have assured the public that there is no current threat to the community, they are urging anyone with information about Johnson’s whereabouts to reach out to the PSP Stroudsburg barracks at 570-619-6800. Law enforcement has also reminded the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the case.
Background Context: The Rising Concerns of Gun Violence at Public Gatherings
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over gun violence at public gatherings, particularly during social events like Halloween parties where large crowds can quickly turn chaotic. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of de-escalation in such situations and continue to address community concerns regarding youth violence and illegal firearms.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As the search for Unique Kaheem Johnson continues, investigators are working to gather further evidence and determine the full scope of the altercation that led to the shooting. Law enforcement is also reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to ensure all parties involved are held accountable.
Conclusion
The shooting at the Halloween party in East Stroudsburg has left the community shaken, with one teenager injured and a suspect still at large. As police continue their investigation, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for the victim and hold those responsible accountable.
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