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IUP student shot during alleged road-rage confrontation near campus

WHITE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities are investigating a shooting near the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus early Thursday morning.

According to police, the alleged incident began as a road-rage confrontation between two people in the parking lot of the Maple Street Apartments on Maple Street in White Township around 2 a.m.

Investigators said a driver followed IUP student Hayden Warmke’s car from a traffic signal at Seventh Street and Philadelphia Avenue to the parking lot.

“The vehicle proceeded to follow the victim’s vehicle for an extended period of time,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper John Matchik said.

The assailant then approached Warmke and punched him in the head, police said. As Warmke, 20, was on the ground, the assailant is accused of shooting him once in the leg.

“The suspect proceeded to strike the victim in the face, causing him to stumble backwards and fall to the ground,” Matchik said.

Investigators said the assailant, who is believed to be in his early 20s, then fled in a possibly silver-colored Lincoln MKZ sedan with a sun roof and aluminum wheels.

Authorities said there was a witness to the alleged assault in the assailant’s car. That person fled the area on foot, not in the car, police said.

Investigators would like that person to come forward and talk with him.

“He is one of my best friends. I’ve known him for six years now. Thank God he only got shot in the leg and not in the chest or somewhere worse,” friend Nathan Kovach said.

Officials said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident.

Anyone with information on the assailant, shooting or witness is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at 724-357-1960.