Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer addresses a media briefing by city officials on Thursday night’s shooting that saw three men wounded — and two arrests.
COATESVILLE — Three city men suffered what police called “non life threatening” wounds following an exchange of gunfire at Olive Street and South 5th Avenue, early Thursday evening, leaving two of the men shot facing criminal charges.
City police said Arthur Smith, 23, Demetrius Kennedy, 21 and Dominique Brewer, were discovered wounded at the scene by responding police. Police said two handguns were also found at the scene. All were taken to Paoli Hospital — with Smith and Kennedy remaining hospitalized from their wounds.
Police said that Smith and Brewer arrived together on foot at about the same time as Kennedy and another male. An argument ensued with Smith and Kennedy exchanging gun shots. Smith and Brewer were both wounded, but fled the scene to the west. Kennedy collapsed at the scene, and the other male with Kennedy fled in an unknown direction.
Smith and Kennedy were charged with Criminal Attempt Homicide and related offenses. Both were arraigned in the hospital by District Justice Gregory Hines and remanded to Chester County Prison in lieu of $250,000 cash bail.
The investigation into the incident — including seeking information about the fourth person thought to be involved — is still underway. Anyone with information is urged to contact the City of Coatesville Police Department at 610-384-2300 or submit an anonymous tip-by-text “Coatesville” to 847411 or download the Coatesville Police Tip411 App.
City officials held a media briefing Friday morning at City Hall with President of City Council Linda Lavender-Norris, Council members Ingrid Jones and C. Arvilla Hunt, City Manager Michael Trio, and Police Chief Jack Laufer.
Laufer provided an update to the investigation and spoke on the effects of violent street crime upon the community, as well as the partnership that must exist between the police and the citizens they serve. Lavender-Norris echoed Laufer’s comments, emphasizing the fact that the redevelopment of the city is well underway, and that street crime such as this has no part in the vision for the future of the city, and it will not be tolerated by city officials.
Trio praised police for their rapid response to the shooting incident, and re-emphasized the city’s commitment to provide for a safe environment for the citizens and future redevelopment throughout the city.
