On April 9, 2024, Robert Dawson, 32, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot following a large altercation near Weston Field. Police responding to reports of a fight involving approximately 20 individuals arrived to hear gunshots and discovered Dawson with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. He was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation led to the arrest of several individuals, including 17-year-old Kenneth Tapia, identified by authorities as a known gang member. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Tapia and others assaulting Dawson before shots were fired. Tapia was initially charged with aggravated assault and later faced upgraded charges, including criminal homicide, illegal firearm possession, carrying a firearm without a license, tampering with evidence, and receiving stolen property. He remains in custody at the Lackawanna County Prison without bail.
In addition to Tapia, 18-year-old Keenan Ford was arrested and charged with hindering apprehension, obstructing police, simple assault, and rioting. Ford allegedly participated in the assault on Dawson and provided false information to investigators regarding his and Tapia's whereabouts following the incident. Three other juveniles, aged 15, 16, and 17, were also arrested in connection with the case. The 17-year-old faces charges including possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, while the 15 and 16-year-olds were charged with simple assault and rioting. All three juveniles were placed on house arrest due to a lack of detention housing.
The firearm used in the shooting, a Glock 19 Gen 3 9mm with a 30-round extended magazine, was recovered by investigators. The weapon had been reported stolen from an Old Forge residence in October 2023. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with the possibility of additional arrests. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti expressed disheartenment over the senseless death and emphasized the city's commitment to addressing the root causes of youth violence.
