Reward offered for information on mysterious Connellsville shooting

CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. — Police are investigating after a woman was shot Wednesday night at South Connellsville Beach in Fayette County.

According to police, Kelly Brooks, 21, was sitting with a friend along the Youghiogheny River when she heard a gunshot.

She said moments later, she was hit by a bullet. The bullet went through her leg and was lodged in her arm, officials said.

“I just panicked and grabbed my arm and ran up to the car so I could go to the hospital,” Brooks said.

Brooks ran for more than five minutes to her car. She was taken to Highlands Hospital and then flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.

Officials said he is expected to be OK.

“It’s messed up,” Brooks’ brother, Dave Brooks, said. “I would really like to know who did it.”

Police are offering a $1,000 reward for anyone with information on the shooting.

“They saw it came from across the river, but the doctors at the hospital said that it had to be close range,” Dave Brooks said. “I just don’t know what’s really going on.”

Kelly Brooks said she probably won’t ever go back to the Connellsville Beach and hopes she will be released from the hospital Friday.

State police are urging people to be more aware of their surroundings when visiting the park.

WPXI