Watertown Shooting: Soldiers Violent Love Triangle

There was a shooting in the city of Watertown N.Y. The shooting took place at ABC storage, 1030 Water Street. Police have confirmed that one person has been taken to the Samaritan Medical Center's Emergency Room. The incident occurred at around 11:00 am Sunday morning. 

According to reports released by the Watertown Police Department, three Fort Drum Soldiers apparently involved in what can be described as a love triangle, were involved in the shooting. 

According to updates by police the victim and his ex-girlfriend were meeting at ABC storage in order to exchange belongings that both acquired during their relationship. It was then that the current boyfriend of the woman allegedly showed up brandishing a weapon.

In the events that followed, shots were fired. The only injury as yet reported was the gunshot wound to the leg of the intended victim, a 25 year old male.

Police believe the man they are looking for in connection with a shooting is Lawrence R. Whitfield, a Fort Drum soldier, who is believed to have left the area.

It was shortly after the incident occurred that Watertown Police and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department surrounded the residence of the woman involved. Police arrived at 209 Central Street sometime before 2:00pm in an attempt to apprehend Mr. Whitfield. After three hours and closing off a portion of Central Street the police came away with some evidence in the case, but Mr. Whitfields whereabouts was unknown.

According to Watertown Police Detectives the handgun allegedly used in the incident was recovered after a search of the residence Sunday afternoon. 

Police are currently looking for Mr. Whitfield and have confiscated a green SUV that they believe belongs to the suspect; they hope that items found inside will give them a clue as to his whereabouts.  

This is the latest incident in what has been a rash of violence involving soldiers in the city of Watertown. Since military personnel have begun to arrive home to Fort Drum after their deployment to various war zones throughout the world, there has been a noticeable upsurge in violence within the city.