Girl, 14, suffers gunshot wound to abdomen at carnival at Gar-Field HS April 15

Shooting Investigation – On Friday, April 15, 2022 at 9:22PM, Prince William County Police officers assigned to an off-duty security detail at the carnival located on the grounds of Gar-Field High School, 14000 Smoketown Rd in Woodbridge (22192), heard what sounded like gunfire coming from an area near the entrance to school. The sound caused those attending the carnival to flee en masse, according to First Sergeant Jonathan Perok, public information officer.

Perok said officers on assignment ran towards the gunfire, eventually locating a 14-year-old female juvenile with a gunshot wound to her abdomen. Officers provided immediate first aid to the juvenile until rescue personnel arrived on scene. The juvenile was flown to an area hospital where her injuries were determined to be non-life threatening.

The investigation revealed that two groups left the carnival and were involved in a verbal argument in the parking lot. During the encounter, multiple gunshots were fired, and the groups dispersed on foot. The victim was located in the parking lot by officers several yards away from where the shooting occurred. It is unknown if the victim was affiliated or known to the groups involved. Multiple shell casings were also recovered, Perok reported.

Witnesses reported seeing a possible suspect flee towards Smoketown Rd after the shooting. No other shooting victims were located. Officers did determine an uninvolved vehicle was struck by a bullet as the driver was leaving the carnival. The driver was not injured.

According to 1st Sgt. Perok, the suspect was described as a black male, possibly in his teens, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and white shoes. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident or if anyone has videos or photos leading up, during or after the incident to contact police. The investigation continues.