Teen accused of spraying a car with gunfire waives hearing and case moves to county court

LANCASTER, PA — A 16-year-old Lancaster teen accused of firing a handgun into a parked car and striking the vehicle four times waived his preliminary hearing, clearing the way for the case to proceed to Lancaster County Court.

Edwin Ortiz, of the 400 block of Atlantic Avenue, waived the hearing before Judge Jodie Richardson on Oct. 9 on two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, one count of possession of a firearm by a minor, one count of carrying a firearm without a license and one count of propulsion of missiles into an occupied vehicle. The charges stem from an incident the evening of July 7 in the 500 block of East Strawberry Street, when Ortiz is accused of opening fire into a car in which two people were seated.

One victim suffered bruising to her leg from a bullet fragment; neither victim was seriously injured. Police found a bullet fragment on the front-seat floor and another hole torn through a rear headrest. Investigators identified the vehicle Ortiz was riding in using Lancaster Safety Coalition video; the vehicle’s driver told detectives Ortiz directed him to the intersection of East Strawberry and Woodward streets, produced a gun and fired at the victims’ car shortly after 8 p.m. before concealing the weapon in his waistband as they left the area.

As a juvenile, Ortiz is not legally permitted to possess a firearm. In a separate proceeding on Oct. 9, Judge Richardson set bail at $150,000; Ortiz remains detained at the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center in lieu of that amount. Lancaster City Bureau of Police Detective Ryan Burgett filed the charges. Assistant District Attorney Andrew Harbaugh will prosecute the case. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Key Points

Edwin Ortiz, 16, waived his preliminary hearing on Oct. 9 and the case will proceed to county court
Ortiz is charged with multiple counts including aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a minor after a July 7 shooting that struck a vehicle four times
Bail was set at $150,000 and Ortiz remains detained at the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News