Manhunt For 2 Men In Deadly Easter Shootout In Elizabeth

ELIZABETH, NJ — Authorities have released more details in the deadly Easter morning shootout with police near the outside of a strip club in Elizabeth. Two men were arrested and two remain at large following the gun fight that left an Irvington man dead, Union County Prosecutor's Office reported. (See Related: Irvington Man Killed In Easter Morning Shooting In Elizabeth)

The incident began around 2:30 a.m. when a large group gathered outside Exotics Gentlemen’s Club located on the 1100 block of Elizabeth Avenue.

A fight broke out between members of the group and during the scuffle, someone in the crowd fired two shots into the air, said Michael Sheets, spokesman for the UCPO.

The mob immediately dispersed with several people going into a parking lot across the street. Sharif Q. Robinson, 27, of Jersey City then shot an unarmed Daniel Louis, 26, of Irvington, who was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report.

After Louis was shot, Robinson and Jonathan Philippe, 25, Pierre Cadet, 21, and Don LaFortune, 23, all of Irvington became involved in a shootout, firing numerous rounds.

An Elizabeth Police officer on patrol in the area heard the initial gunshots and called for backup. Once assistance arrived, the two officers arrived at the lot on foot to see the firefight in progress, Sheets said.

As the officers approached the shooters, they were fired upon by Philippe and Cadet, who were near their Maserati, Sheets said.

Neither officer was hit by the gunfire and the patrolmen returned fire. Philippe and Cadet got into the car and, with Cadet driving, drove away at a high rate of speed.

Elizabeth Patrol Units chased the car into Newark, where the two got away, abandoned the car and escaped. The car was recovered, held and processed for evidentiary purposes, Sheets said.

Cadet and LaFortune were later arrested due to the "exceptional, exhaustive" round-the-clock investigation by Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, Special Prosecutions Unit and High Tech Unit, along with members of the Elizabeth Police Department, The Union County Police, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Irvington Police Department and the Jersey City Police Department.

Cadet and LaFortune are currently being housed in the Union County Jail pending Pretrial Detention Hearings.

Both Robinson and Philippe remain at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Robinson is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and one count of second-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Philippe is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, and one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Cadet is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and one count of second-degree eluding.

LaFortune is charged with one count of first-degree attempted murder, one count of second-degree aggravated assault, and one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Anyone who sees or comes in contact with either Philippe or Robinson is cautioned not to approach them and call 911.

The Union County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of Sharif Robinson and Jonathan Philippe in this matter.

Tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477), via text message by texting “UCTIP” plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES), or online at www.uctip.org.

"These charges are the product of outstanding police work, expert legal ability and assistance, and unwavering determination to bring those who endanger our streets and our communities to justice," acting Union County Prosecutor Michael Monahan said. "I would like to sincerely thank the members of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office; The Elizabeth Police Department; The Union County Sheriff’s Office; The Union County Police Department; and the Irvington and Jersey City Police Departments for their, dedication and efforts."

• (See Related: Irvington Man Killed In Easter Morning Shooting In Elizabeth)

(Image via Union County Prosecutor's Office: Top from left - Jonathan Philippe, 25, of Irvington and Sharif Q. Robinson, 27, of Jersey City. Bottom from left: Don LaFortune, 23, of Irvington and Pierre Cadet, 21, of Irvington).

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

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.