Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor, and Somerville Borough Chief of Police Dennis Manning announced that Mr. Joseph N. Wright, 35, of Schindler Terrace, Bridgewater Township, is the second individual wanted by law enforcement for his involvement in last Thursday’s Somerville shooting.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on October 26th, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Somerville Police responded to a call of shots fired in the area of Third Street and Center Street.
Authorities said the investigation has revealed that a male from Easton, Pennsylvania, was in the area of Third Street and Center Street when he was approached by Azikwa D. Rustin and Joseph N. Wright who opened fire on him while he was seated inside his vehicle.
During this event defendant, police said Rustin was shot in the buttocks by his accomplice, defendant Wright. While investigators are attempting to determine a motive for the shooting, preliminary results are that the victim may have been mistaken for another individual.
Detectives are continuing the investigation regarding the whereabouts of Wright and detectives are urging the public to report and not to approach the defendant who is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Detectives are urging defendant Wright to turn himself into law enforcement authorities.
Defendant Rustin was arrested and charged with first degree attempted murder, second-degree possession of a firearm, second-degree unlawful possession of a gun, and certain second-degree persons prohibited from possessing or controlling a gun.
A criminal complaint has been filed for defendant Wright charging him with first degree attempted murder, second-degree possession of a firearm, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and a second-degree specific person offense.
The charges lodged against Mr. Weight are mere accusations. He is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law upon his capture or surrender to police.