WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Gunfire erupted in Wilkes-Barre last weekend as retaliation for a fight between teenagers at the city’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, police said.
No injuries were reported following Sunday night’s exchange on Harkins Lane. Two people, Kiara Wynn and Dionte Taylor, were later arrested and accused of trying to break into a home there and of threatening the people who live in it, according to a criminal complaint.
The Harkins Lane residents reported hearing a gunshot as the would-be home invaders left. They fired a round in response, they told the police.
Officers found two shell casings in the area.
The victims on Harkins Lane knew their assailants and were able to identify them for the police. Once in custody, Wynn and Taylor later admitted what happened, investigators alleged in an affidavit. Wynn told the police they are friends with the people who live on Harkins Lane.
They face charges, including burglary and terroristic threats. Wynn is also charged with resisting arrest because officers said she tried to run when they tried to arrest her. A judge set bail for them at $75,000 and tentatively scheduled a preliminary hearing for May 8.
Police say they learned the spat was in response to a fight earlier in the day between a group of teenagers at Kirby Park during the Cherry Blossom Festival. In that case, police cited two Luzerne County teenagers and one 13-year-old girl from Scranton.
Court records do not indicate Wynn and Taylor have attorneys. Attempts to reach them Tuesday were unsuccessful.
