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Witnesses: Fight at birthday party triggered Harrington shooting

Craig Anderson
Posted 7/24/15

HARRINGTON — Investigation into the first multiple shooting that town police could remember on June 28 was aided by social media and witness cooperation prior to the arrest of a 19-year-old Seaford …

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Witnesses: Fight at birthday party triggered Harrington shooting

Posted

HARRINGTON — Investigation into the first multiple shooting that town police could remember on June 28 was aided by social media and witness cooperation prior to the arrest of a 19-year-old Seaford man, police said in court papers.

Information gained through several witness interviews led to Elijah Desir, of the first block of Seaford Meadow Apartments, being identified as a suspect, Harrington Police said.

Elijah Desir, left, and Laquan Johnson were arrested and charged after investigation into an alleged shooting incident on June 28 in Harrington. (Submitted photo by Harrington Police Department) Elijah Desir, left, and Laquan Johnson were arrested and charged after investigation into an alleged shooting incident on June 28 in Harrington. (Submitted photo by Harrington Police Department)

Six people were shot and suffered non-life threatening injuries on June 28 during a birthday party in the 100 block of East Street, authorities said.

The alleged incident occurred at approximately 1:10 a.m. at a gathering of 200 to 300 persons, according to police.

“One witness stated that he pointed the gun at (the witness), and then a short period of time later, that witness saw Desir shooting the gun into a crowd of people,” according to police in an affidavit of probable cause.

Also, a witness described the gun as “like a .38” which police deemed to be a small revolver, police said in court papers.

Also, a nickname was given regarding a possible suspect, according to authorities. Police said several witnesses identified Mr. Desir through a photo lineup, papers said.

Harrington Police Department was also aided by Seaford Police in its probe, spokesman Lt. Earl K. Brode said when announcing the arrest on Thursday.

Investigation determined that a fight had broken out before the alleged shooting, police said.

Earlier in the day, police said Mr. Desir turned himself in to Harrington Police. Charges included six counts of first-degree assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Mr. Desir was arraigned through JP Court 2 in Rehoboth Beach, and a $140,000 secured bail was not immediately posted. He was then held at Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown.

Harrington resident Laquan Johnson, 17, of the 100 block of Fleming Street, was also charged with possess, purchase, own or control a firearm by person prohibited, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, first-degree reckless endangering, and inciting a riot. He was initially held at Stevenson Detention Center in Dover in lieu of $61,000 secured bond.

Police said detectives are still investigating the case and ask anyone with information to call Harrington Police at 398-4493 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

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