Union Co. Fugitive Wanted In Fatal Train Station Shooting Captured In PA

FANWOOD, NJ — A fugitive from Union County wanted in connection with a fatal shooting that took place on the platform at the Long Branch train station on Aug. 26 has been captured in the Poconos.

Damian Bass, 19, with a last known address in Fanwood (Union County), was arrested in the Effort section of Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania on Thursday by members of the Scranton-based U.S. Marshals Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force Monmouth/Ocean Team, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.

Shortly before 7:45 p.m. on Aug. 26, Long Branch Police Department officers were called to the platform of the NJ Transit Long Branch Station for a report of a shooting victim.

Officers found 43-year-old James Hailey of Newark, who had sustained a gunshot wound. Hailey was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, said Santiago.

Bass was identified as a suspect, and he was charged with first-degree murder and two related weapons offenses the next day.

Bass remains in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition, pending proceedings to be held in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Anyone with information about this matter is still urged to contact MCPO Detective Aaron Shaw at 800-533-7443, New Jersey Transit Police Detective Brian Lee at 973-491-8952, or Long Branch Police Department Detective Daniel Cunha at 732-222-1000, Ext. 1373.

"We sincerely thank our various municipal, county, state, and federal partners who have worked with us so seamlessly in helping manage this investigation and making this arrest," Santiago said. "It was a prime example of well-coordinated, efficient, and thorough cooperative work involving many moving parts."

— With reporting by Carly Baldwin

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.