A 28-year-old city man suffered a gunshot wound to the upper arm early Friday morning on Godwin Avenue, according to the Paterson Police Department.

The victim was shot in the upper arm at around 1:39 a.m. on Godwin Avenue close to Auburn Street, police said.

“At this time, it appears that there was a large group in the area of Godwin Avenue and Auburn Street when an altercation broke out among people within the group,” Patrick Murray, head of the Ceasefire Unit, said. “During the ensuing altercation, shots were fired and the victim was struck while fleeing the area on foot.”

Police responded to the area on report of gunfire. The victim was located two blocks away on Lake Street, police said. He was rushed to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The victim is in stable condition, according to police.

Police director Jerry Speziale said this is the first shooting to take place after the city began its Safe City Initiative. “We will identify and focus on the group responsible for this event,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Rolando Polio or Detective Edgar Torres of the Ceasefire Unit at 973-321-1342.