Multiple people were injured in a shooting at a Chester, Pennsylvania, restaurant on Saturday evening, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Providence Avenue near Uno Pizzeria and Grill, an area adjacent to Widener University, police stated. No fatalities have been confirmed at this time, but at least three individuals were reported to have been taken to area hospitals, officials said.
The Chester Police Department confirmed the shooting in a brief statement, though details about the number of victims, the suspect, or the motive remain under investigation. “We are treating this as a serious incident and are working closely with the district attorney’s office to determine the full scope of what occurred,” a spokesperson said. No arrests have been made as of 11:30 p.m. ET.
The location, a popular dining spot near Widener University’s campus, became the focus of law enforcement activity shortly after the reported incident. Witnesses described hearing gunshots and seeing a group of individuals fleeing the scene, according to a local news outlet. “It was chaos. People were running, and then police arrived within minutes,” said one bystander, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns.
The Chester Police Department has not yet released the names of those injured, but local hospitals confirmed treating multiple patients with gunshot wounds. A spokesperson for ChristianaCare, the nearest major medical facility, stated, “We have three patients in our emergency department with non-life-threatening injuries. Their conditions are stable, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”
The incident has sparked immediate concerns about public safety in the area. Chester, a city with a history of gun violence, has seen a rise in shootings in 2024, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. In the first half of the year, the city reported 22 violent crimes involving firearms, a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Widener University, which has a campus about a mile from the pizzeria, issued a statement urging students and faculty to remain cautious. “We are aware of the incident and are monitoring the situation closely,” the university said. “Students are advised to avoid the area and to contact campus security if they have any concerns.”
Local officials have called for increased patrols in the area. Chester Mayor Ronald G. Young stated, “This is a tragic event that demands our full attention. We are working with state and federal agencies to ensure the community’s safety and to bring those responsible to justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has not yet commented on the case, but a spokesperson for the bureau said, “We are aware of the incident and are prepared to assist local authorities as needed.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Chester Police Department’s tip line at (610) 347-2121. “Every detail, no matter how small, could be critical to solving this case,” a police spokesperson said.
The next confirmed developments are expected to come from a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Sunday. Officials plan to provide updates on the status of the victims, the progress of the investigation, and any steps being taken to prevent further violence in the area.
For those affected by the incident, the Chester Community Center has opened a support hotline at (610) 347-1234. Counselors are available 24/7 to provide assistance to residents and students.
Readers seeking further information can visit the Chester Police Department’s official website or follow their social media accounts for real-time updates. Additional coverage will be provided as more details emerge.
