Man Arrested In Chick-Fil-A Mass Shooting In Union Township

UNION, NJ — A Newark man was arrested in connection with a fatal mass shooting at a Chick-fil-A in Union Township, said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel.

Jaheed Fields, 20, of Newark, has been charged with:

• One count of murder, first-degree
• Six counts of attempted murder, first-degree
• One count of unlawful possession of a handgun, second-degree
• One count of possession of a weapon (firearm) for an unlawful purpose, second-degree

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"The brazen nature of this incident, occurring in a crowded restaurant where people should feel safe, was an affront to our citizens and the security they deserve," said Daniel. "Tis arrest is a testament to the meticulous work and seamless coordination between all of the law enforcement agencies involved, and a reminder that Union County will never tolerate acts of lawlessness that threaten our residents."

On April 11 at around 9 p.m., Union Township Police went to the Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant on Route 22 for reports of multiple shots fired inside.

"Officers encountered a chaotic scene with numerous patrons present," said Daniel.

Seven people were hit by gunfire. Of those seven, six had non-life-threatening injuries and one person was fatally shot.

Malek Shepherd, 23, of New York City, was identified as the person fatally shot. He was pronounced dead at the restaurant as a result of a gunshot wound.

"At the time, our officers responded quickly to a chaotic and dangerous situation, said Union Police Director Christopher Donnelly. "Yet throughout the investigation, they remained diligent and persistent, collaborating with other agencies, to reach today's result. Public safety is and remains our top priority."

Fields was taken into custody on Friday and lodged at the Essex County Jail pending his next court appearance.

Daniel thanked the help from the Union County Homicide ask Force, Union Police Department, Union County Sheriff's Office, Newark Police Department(Major Crimes Shooting Response Team and Violent Crimes Task Force), UCPO High Tech Unit, Union County SWAT, Linden Police Department, Union County Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(ATF), Woodbridge Police Department, Sayreville Police Department, Rahway Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Essex County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, United States Attorney's Office, and the United States Marshals.

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