*******Update #2*******

As a result of a further investigation in this case by members of the Vineland Police Department Detective Bureau, an additional arrest was made. Richard S. Hatcher Jr, 20 y/o B/M of the unit block of Osborne Ave was arrested by members of the Vineland Police Department Anti-Crime Unit on August 12th, 2019 after warrants were generated for his arrest. Hatcher was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

The Investigation revealed that there was a dispute between the prior arrestee Joseph Lucas and Hatcher and that during the incident both subjects fired handguns at each other while on the property of the Asselta Acres Apartment complex. Several occupied apartments were struck by the gunfire as well as Hatcher who was treated for his injuries and later released from the hospital. Hatcher was transported to the Cumberland County Jail pending a Detention Hearing.

*********Update #1********** Vineland Police Department Shooting Investigation

As a result of a follow-up investigation by members of the Vineland Police Department Detective Bureau and the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, with assistance from officers from the Patrol Division, an arrest has been made in this case. Joseph W. Lucas (19) of the 300 Block of N. 7th St, Vineland has been charged with the following offenses:

Criminal Attempt Murder (1st degree),

 Unlawful Possession of a Handgun

Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose

 Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

 Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute

 Possession of Marijuana 50grams or less

 Evidence including a handgun was recovered during the course of this investigation.

Lucas was processed and arrested at the Vineland Police Department and lodged in the Cumberland County Jail pending a detention hearing.

This investigation is on-going and additional arrests are expected in regards to this incident.

 Vineland Police Department - Shooting Investigation

On 7/25/2019 at approximately 10:40 pm, officers from the Vineland Police Department were dispatched to the area of 334 Axtell Ave (Asselta Acres) for a report of a shooting between multiple subjects. Upon arrival to the scene, officers located spent shell casings and evidence of a shooting in a parking lot in the area of the #7 and #8 buildings. A male gunshot victim was located inside of an apartment the adjacent apartment complex of 364 Axtell Ave (Tarklin Park Apartments) after a 911 call was received that a victim was there. No additional victims were located at the scene.

                The victim, a 19-year-old male sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was airlifted to Cooper Medical Center in Camden, NJ. As of this time he is listed in critical but stable with serious injuries.

                This investigation is on-going and being conducted in conjunction with the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.  Additional information regarding this case will be released at a later time pending the completion of the investigation.

Det. Nelson Gonzalez is assigned as the lead investigator for this case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vineland Police Detective Bureau via any of the methods listed below:

Telephone

Vineland Police Department Detective Bureau          856.691.4111 x 4181

Vineland Crime Stoppers (Anonymous)                   856.691.0345

Text Crime Tips to 847411 (VPDTIP) Free applications available on the Apple and Google Play Stores.

Release Authorized - Detective Lieutenant Matthew S. Browne

Alert sent on 08/13/2019 at 1:44PM EDT

Richard S. Hatcher Jr.

To submit a tip via text message text VPDTIPinactive and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Vineland Police Dept

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