Alleged gang members charged in deadly Scranton shooting
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Authorities have identified two alleged teenage gang members as suspects in a fight-turned-deadly shooting in Scranton.
On Tuesday around 8:00 p.m., patrolling officers discovered a fight between about 20 people near Weston Field when gunshots were heard.
Police stated the group scattered after their arrival, leaving behind 32-year-old Robert Dawson, who had suffered gunshot wounds. Dawson was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
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According to the court documents, surveillance video showed Kenneth Tapia, 17, of Scranton, and Keenan Ford, 18, along with others, assaulting Dawson by kicking him and punching him in the head. Both Tapia and Ford were seen running from the scene after the gunshots were heard. Investigators stated Tapia was seen running while clutching something near his waistband.
A witness to the shooting told officers that he saw Tapia and Ford fighting with Dawson, heard gunshots, and saw Dawson fall down, as stated in the affidavit.
Tapia has been charged as an adult with aggravated assault, simple assault, and riot.
Ford is charged with simple assault riot hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice.
On Wednesday, the Scranton Police Department said they arrested three juveniles, ages 15,16,17 in connection with the incident. All three were placed on house arrest with charges pending via written allegations.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti released a statement on the incident.
I was disheartened to get the call last night that our community has suffered another senseless death. The rapid on-scene response by our police department shows the strength of our Street Crimes Unit and our proactive patrols. We appreciate the swift and robust assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, county police departments, and the District Attorney’s Office. Our ability to quickly solve crimes like this shows the strength of SPD and our law enforcement partnerships; however, these crimes shouldn’t happen in the first place, and we will continue to work to address the root causes of youth violence.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti
As the chaos unfolded, nearby businesses T’s Corner News and Laundromat, locked their doors to stay safe.
“A few people ran in and said ‘There’s a shooting outside’ and I said ‘Just get everybody in.’ The cops were here almost five seconds after she yelled ‘They are shooting’ I heard the police and they pulled up,” T’s Corner News & Laundromat Owner Jerry Poepperling explained.
Tapia and Ford remain in the Lackawanna County Prison.
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