Lake Ariel, PA (Wayne County) — Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is now in custody following a late-night shooting inside The Hideout Property Owners Association community, a private residential area in Wayne County that is known for its quiet, family-oriented environment.
Emergency services were dispatched shortly before midnight after multiple 911 calls reported shots fired in the area of 10 Lakeview Drive. Responders arrived to find several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. The tense situation quickly escalated into a large-scale emergency response, with both local and county law enforcement agencies converging on the scene.
At least three individuals were struck by gunfire during the incident. Two of the victims were moved to a designated landing zone, where medical helicopters transported them to regional trauma centers for urgent care. Another victim, also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The conditions of the wounded have not yet been made public, leaving friends, family members, and community residents anxiously awaiting updates.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that one suspect is in custody. However, they have not clarified whether additional suspects are being sought, leaving uncertainty about the extent of the threat. Officers have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that more details will be released once they are verified.
As a precaution, The Hideout community was immediately placed on lockdown. Residents were instructed to remain inside their homes while authorities secured the area. Portions of Miller Road, spanning parts of Salem and Lake Townships, were temporarily closed to allow investigators to control traffic and preserve the crime scene. This measure caused delays for local drivers but was deemed necessary for public safety.
The presence of heavily armed officers and flashing patrol car lights illuminated the usually quiet streets well into the early morning hours. Witnesses reported seeing a large number of first responders, including paramedics, fire department units, and multiple law enforcement vehicles stationed throughout the community. The scene reflected both the seriousness of the incident and the coordinated efforts to restore order.
Authorities are now working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. While specific details remain scarce, investigators are conducting interviews, collecting forensic evidence, and reviewing possible surveillance footage from the community. Residents have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity they may have observed prior to the gunfire.
The motive behind the shooting has not yet been disclosed, and officials are careful not to speculate while the investigation is in its early stages. What remains clear is that the incident has shaken a community that is more accustomed to vacationers, retirees, and seasonal visitors than to violent crime.
Community leaders have expressed concern for the safety of residents while also praising the swift response of law enforcement and emergency medical teams. The fact that a suspect was taken into custody so soon after the shooting provided a measure of reassurance to residents, though unease still lingers as questions remain unanswered.
Officials have promised regular updates as more information becomes available. For now, The Hideout continues to remain under heightened security as authorities move forward with their investigation, determined to uncover the circumstances that led to the violence in this otherwise quiet corner of Wayne County.