Gunfire Outside Popular Trenton Smoke Shop Leaves Three Injured as Police Search for Suspect
Three people were injured early Sunday morning after gunfire erupted outside a well-known smoke shop and restaurant in Trenton, New Jersey, according to authorities and the business owner.
The shooting happened on the rear patio of NJ Weedman’s Joint during a crowded weekend gathering that drew hundreds of customers for music, food, and nightlife activities. Police said the victims were later treated at Capital Health Regional Medical Center for gunshot wounds.
Authorities confirmed the victims included two women, ages 31 and 32, and a 34-year-old man. All three suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and were later released from the hospital.
Ed “NJ Weedman” Forchion, the owner of the business and longtime marijuana activist, said the atmosphere had been normal for a busy weekend night before the violence suddenly broke out. According to Forchion, a man at the venue began behaving aggressively and causing disturbances among patrons. Staff members eventually removed him from the property after several confrontational incidents.
Forchion said the man pushed women while leaving the area. Moments later, the individual allegedly attempted to return and apologized to staff, asking to be allowed back inside. Employees refused to let him reenter the property.
Shortly afterward, multiple shots were fired toward the crowd gathered on the patio. One woman was struck in the ankle, another suffered a gunshot wound to the elbow, and a man was hit in the shoulder.
Forchion said surveillance footage later appeared to show that the suspected shooter was the same individual who had been escorted out earlier in the night. Video from the scene captured patrons diving for cover and running in panic as gunfire rang out.
The footage also showed injured victims receiving assistance immediately after the shooting. One woman with an injured arm was seen inside the restaurant kitchen while another victim remained outside as nearby patrons tried to help before emergency responders arrived.
According to Forchion, investigators believe the shooter fired from behind a fence in a neighboring yard near the patio area. He described the attack as happening within seconds and said bullets passed dangerously close to where he had been sitting at the time.
The suspect had not been arrested as of Sunday, and police continue searching for information that could lead to an identification.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about violence near the business, which regularly attracts large crowds on weekends. Earlier this year, another shooting reportedly occurred across the street from the venue, and a separate deadly shooting happened near Trenton City Hall after a man left the establishment.
Despite those incidents, Forchion said he believes his business has maintained security measures and does not usually experience serious trouble inside the venue itself.
He also expressed concern about how the latest shooting could affect customer confidence and the future of the longtime business.
“This is devastating to us,” Forchion said while discussing the emotional and financial impact the violence may have on the establishment and its regular customers.
The owner added that he hopes police locate the suspect quickly and that the injured victims fully recover from their wounds.
The Trenton Police Department is asking anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward as investigators continue reviewing evidence and surveillance footage connected to the case.
Sources:
Trenton Police Department
Capital Health Regional Medical Center
Statements provided by Ed “NJ Weedman” Forchion
