By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in East Orange acted swiftly to apprehend a suspect who allegedly shot and critically injured an Orange city resident before attempting to flee the state.
According to officials, the shooting occurred Sunday evening, shortly before 8:30 p.m., in the area of 5 North 16th Street.
Responding officers discovered a 41-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper chest, abdomen, and thigh.
The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. His name is being withheld pending notification of family members.
Following an intensive investigation, law enforcement tracked the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Darian Ficklin of Orange, New Jersey, to the state of Delaware.
He was taken into custody by New Jersey State Police with assistance from local authorities.
Charges against Ficklin are expected to include attempted murder and weapons offenses.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
Officials say the arrest highlights the coordination between law enforcement agencies across state lines and underscores their commitment to ensuring violent offenders are brought to justice.