LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania – A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday night in a parking lot when a fifteen-year-old boy was fatally shot in the vicinity of Fridays on East Third St., as confirmed by the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office.
The shooting occurred at around 6:35 p.m., prompting a swift response from emergency personnel who rushed the victim to UPMC Williamsport. Despite their efforts, the victim was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. and a deputy coroner were summoned to the hospital at approximately 8 p.m. for further investigation. An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Monday, although no additional details regarding the victim were disclosed on Saturday.
With no arrests made as of yet, state police have taken over the investigation into the tragic incident that stunned the local community. Multiple troopers, along with firemen and paramedics from Loyalsock Township, quickly mobilized to the scene at the bustling restaurant, filled with patrons at the time of the shooting.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments, with one woman describing the sound of gunshots followed by a mass exodus of individuals from the parking lot. Among those present was a Sunbury volunteer firefighter, who took swift action to protect those inside the restaurant upon hearing gunfire erupt.
As chaos unfolded, the restaurant became a scene of panic as patrons scrambled for safety, unsure of the unfolding situation. The volunteer firefighter shared his account of the incident, emphasizing the need for vigilance in an increasingly volatile world.
Law enforcement officers are diligently working to piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting, with a significant law enforcement presence at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing justice for the victim and their loved ones.
The shocking incident serves as a somber reminder of the pervasive threat of violence in communities across the country, prompting reflection on the need for greater measures to ensure public safety. As the community grapples with this senseless tragedy, support and solidarity have emerged as pillars of strength in the face of adversity.