By: Richard L. Smith
An Irvington man has been arrested and charged in connection with the ongoing investigation into a deadly shooting that erupted inside a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union Township earlier this year, according to information released by Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Union Police Director Christopher Donnelly.
Authorities said the violence unfolded at approximately 9 p.m. on April 11, 2026, inside the Chick-fil-A restaurant located along Route 22 in Union Township.
Responding officers encountered a chaotic scene with numerous customers inside the establishment after multiple rounds of gunfire were discharged.
Investigators said six people suffered non-life-threatening gunshot injuries during the incident.
One victim, identified as 23-year-old Malek Shepherd of New York City, was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds.
Officials previously announced the arrest of Jaheed Fields, 20, (pictured right) of Newark, who was taken into custody on May 1 and charged with murder, attempted murder, and weapons offenses tied to the deadly shooting.
As detectives continued investigating the broader circumstances surrounding the incident, authorities determined that another patron inside the restaurant also discharged a firearm during the chaos.
Prosecutors said Rahqueel Floyd, 23, of Irvington, has now been charged with second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun.
Floyd was arrested on May 18 and is being held at the Essex County Jail pending a court appearance.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detective Edward Mack at (908) 347-2212.