Police Investigating 27 Shots Fired Wednesday Night In Franklin

FRANKLIN, NJ — Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night.

A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around 11 p.m. in the area of Baier Avenue and Phillips Road, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

A Somerset man said he was driving north on Phillips Road toward Baier Avenue when he heard multiple "pops," which he initially thought were fireworks, according to Robertson.

After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson.

Franklin Township Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot.

There were no reported injuries but police found 27 shell casings in the area, said Robertson.

Investigators are trying to figure out a motive for the shooting and it is undetermined if the man or car were the intended targets, said Robertson.

Anyone with information relating to this shooting is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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