Esteban Parra

The News Journal

A 15-year-old girl was shot during an early Tuesday argument at a party near Felton.

The child was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting, said Sgt. Richard Bratz, a state police spokesman.

Troopers were called to the unit block of Weatherstone Lane about 3:20 a.m. to investigate reports of multiple shots fired during a party at a residence, Bratz said. Troopers arrived on scene, secured the area and contacted several witnesses as they attempted to leave.

Shortly after the gun fire was reported, Bratz said a 15-year-old girl arrived at the Frederica Volunteer Fire Company in a privately owned vehicle. She had a gunshot wound to the upper torso and was taken to a hospital where she is listed in stable condition, Bratz said.

State police detectives conducted multiple interviews which revealed that an argument occurred outside of the residence. As several subjects were leaving, the argument escalated into a fight and shots were fired, striking the girl Bratz said.

The shooter is described as a skinny black male approximately 17 to 20 years of age, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 with a white t-shirt.

If anyone has any information about the incident they should contact police at (302) 698-8426. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com or Twitter @eparra3.