Wanted Father Turns Himself In, Son Still At Large In Somerset Shooting

FRANKLIN, NJ — The father of a man wanted for the shooting of another in Somerset section of Franklin in early January has turned himself in, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson announced.

Jason Lewis, 43, of Dewald Avenue in the Somerset section of Franklin Township turned himself into authorities at the Somerset County Jail on Friday, Feb. 10. His son, Jaki N. Hooks-Lewis, age 20, also of Dewald Avenue is still at large.

Jason Lewis was wanted for helping his son, Jaki N. Hooks-Lewis (who was identified as the shooter), flee from the area following the shooting.

Gunshots were reported by multiple 911 calls around 7:44 p.m. on Jan. 3 in the area of Dewald Avenue.

Responding officers found a 31-year-old male outside a Dewald Avenue home, suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg, police reported.

Officers provided medical aid to the victim, who was then transported to a local trauma center for emergency treatment.

Jaki N. Hooks-Lewis is "considered armed and dangerous." Detectives caution the public from approaching either of the men. They have been on the loose since the shooting and are being urged to turn themselves in to authorities, Robertson announced.

The Somerset County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to arrests of Jaki N. Hooks-Lewis.

Law enforcement authorities request anyone with information regarding the shooting, or anyone knowing the whereabouts of Jaki Hooks-Lewis, to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department (732) 873-5533.

Tipsters interested in collecting the Crime Stopper reward must call the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888- 577-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net, and click on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS HOTLINE”. All Crime Stopper tips are anonymous and they will be kept confidential.

(Images via Somerset County Prosecutor's Office: Jaki N. Hooks-Lewis, age 20 and Jason Lewis, age 43 both of Dewald Avenue in Somerset)

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