Man Wanted In Shooting At Applebee's In Union County Caught: Police

LINDEN, NJ — An 18-year-old man from Iselin, wanted in connection with a shooting at an Applebee's in Linden last month, is in custody after he fled from police, according to the Linden Police Department.

Dwayne Exilus, 18, was arrested by the Union County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad in Iselin on Monday, without incident, said police.

Just after midnight on March 23, Linden Police Officers responded to Applebee's, at 671 W. Edgar Rd, at Aviation Plaza for reports of a shooting. Read More: Shots Fired Outside Applebee's In Union County: 1 Charged, 3 Others At Large

Officers quickly learned that several shots were fired from inside the restaurant, and multiple suspects had fled from the scene, said police.

A description of the suspects was given to officers who began a search of the surrounding area.

Officers found two men matching the suspect's description near the intersection of W. 15th St & S. Stiles St.

As officers confronted the men, they tried to run. After a short struggle, a 17-year-old Newark resident was taken into custody, and two handguns were recovered, said police.

The second suspect ran away from the scene.

A two-week investigation led by the Linden Police Juvenile Aid Bureau identified the Exilus as the suspect who fled, said police.

Exilus is charged with fourth-degree obstruction of the administration of law. He was remanded to the Essex County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Linden Police Juvenile Aid Bureau, and anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Jacyn McPhail at 908-474-8520 or via email at jmcphail@lpdnj.org.

Information about this incident or any other crime can also be shared anonymously via email to crimetips@lpdnj.org.

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