On April 9, 2024, Robert Dawson, 32, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot after a large altercation near Weston Field. Police responding to reports of a fight involving about 20 people arrived to hear gunshots and found Dawson with multiple upper torso gunshot wounds; he was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center and pronounced dead.

Investigators recovered a Glock 19 Gen 3 9mm with a 30-round extended magazine that had been reported stolen from an Old Forge residence in October 2023. Surveillance footage reportedly showed 17-year-old Kenneth Tapia and others assaulting Dawson before shots were fired. Tapia was arrested and initially charged with aggravated assault; charges were later upgraded to include 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.

Also arrested was 18-year-old Keenan Ford, charged with hindering apprehension, obstructing police, simple assault, and rioting; police say he took part in the assault and gave false information about his and Tapia’s whereabouts. Three juveniles aged 15, 16, and 17 were arrested on various charges and placed on house arrest due to lack of detention housing. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. If anyone witnessed the altercation near Weston Field or has information about the shooting, please come forward.