Lancaster police have arrested five teenagers in connection with a shootout that took place in May near Lafayette and Laurel streets. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday (May 19), involved two groups exchanging gunfire, with 11 shots fired within a span of 13 seconds. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The teenagers, aged 15 to 19, are facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, conspiracy, and gun crimes. Those charged include Chance Celotti, 15, from Millersville; Jayveon Jordan, 16, from Lancaster; Olandis Warren, 19, from Manheim Township; Moisis Mercado Jr., 18, from Lancaster; and Jasier Wooten, 17, from Lancaster. All five are being charged as adults due to the severity of the offenses and the use of firearms.
According to LancasterOnline, police utilized surveillance footage and text messages to identify the suspects. The investigation revealed that the two groups had encountered each other about 30 minutes before the shooting began. Jordan and Wooten were part of one group, while Celotti, Mercado, and Warren were in the other.
Jordan faces additional charges for a separate shooting incident in March, where a juvenile was injured. The Lancaster City Bureau of Police has been actively investigating the case, and the suspects were arrested at different times throughout the investigation.
The authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to contact the Lancaster City Bureau of Police or submit a tip online. The community remains vigilant as the legal proceedings for the charged teenagers move forward.