Highland Park Police Chase Man Through Town, Later Apprehend Him

HIGHLAND PARK, NJ — On Wednesday morning, Highland Park Police warned residents to expect a large police presence as officers from multiple agencies tried to locate a shooting suspect.

The suspect, a 28-year-old man local to town, was last seen Wednesday morning in the area of Magnolia Street and South 2nd Avenue, running from police officers.

Later Wednesday afternoon the suspect, identified as Jakil Bryant, 28, was located in South Brunswick and taken into police custody without incident.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit along with members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Task Force helped Highland Park Police make the arrest.

Bryant is a Highland Park resident. He was wanted for shooting a handgun at a family member inside a Highland Park apartment on February 15, while there were several adults and children present, said police.

Officers located Bryant in Highland Park Wednesday morning, at which time he ran from officers, leaving behind the gun he is suspected of using in the shooting. Charges are pending.

“Gun violence is rare in Highland Park, and I am thankful that our officers have quickly tracked down the individual responsible without any further injury to anyone," said Highland Park Police Chief Rick Abrams. "This was excellent police work by both our patrol officers and detectives."

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Highland Park Police Detective Sergeant J. Culver at 732-572-3800 Ext 4220 or jculver@hpboro.com

Get great local news. Sign up for Patch: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this Patch reporter: Carly.baldwin@patch.com