Crime & Safety

Teen Suspect In Fatal Bowling Alley Shooting Sought By Montco DA

Jamel Barnwell, 17, is wanted in the shooting death of Frank Wade at Our Town Alley in East Norriton.

A 29-year-old man was killed, and four others wounded, when gunfire eruped inside the Our Town Alley in East Norriton Saturday night.
A 29-year-old man was killed, and four others wounded, when gunfire eruped inside the Our Town Alley in East Norriton Saturday night. (Google Maps)

EAST NORRITON, PA — A 17-year-old is sought as tone of three suspects in the deadly shooting Saturday night at the Our Town Alley bowling lanes on Swede Road in East Norriton.

Jamel Barnwell, 17, is suspected of firing 15 shots in a crowded bowling alley with families around, NBC Philadelphia reporter Brandon Hudson said on Twitter Sunday, citing Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele.

Barnwell entered the bowling alley with two other men — Steele said — started a fight with another group that included 29-year-old Frank Wade and began shooting. Wade was found dead by police, and four others were injured, according to earlier reports.

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Wade's death was ruled a homicide in a Sunday autopsy, which Steele said determined he died as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained at the bowling alley.

It was "a crowded bowling alley" where the teen began shooting, Steele said in a news statement aired by ABC-6. There were anywhere from 50 to 75 people there, the district attorney added.

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Barnwell is considered "armed and dangerous," Steele said, stating the 17-year-old fled the bowling alley with the gun he is alleged to have used.

"This defendant should not have had a gun," Steele said. "He is 17 years old, and wanted for murder."

Police are also seeking the two others who fled with Barnwell.

The four victims who survived the shooting were in stable condition Sunday, ABC reported.

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