A Newark man was arrested for shooting a 27-year-old outside of a Secaucus hotel early Sunday morning, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Michael Stapleton, 30, of Newark, has been charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to Police Capt. Dennis Miller.
Yesterday, at about 2:57 a.m., Secaucus police responded to a report of shots fired in front of the La Quinta Inn & Suites at 350 Lighting Way, authorities said.
Upon their arrival, a 27-year-old male from East Orange was found in front of the hotel suffering from multiple gunshot wound, officials said.
A semi-automatic handgun was used in the incident, but has yet to be recovered. The victim was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center where he underwent surgery and is currently listed in stable condition, police said.
Based on information gathered during the on scene investigation, it became known to police that this was not a random act of violence and the victim and the alleged shooter were known to one another prior to the shooting, authorities said.
At approximately 2:40 P.M., less than 12 hours after the shooting, members of the Secaucus Police Department, led by the Det. Lt. Thomas O’Keeffe, arrested Stapleton.
Secaucus Police Chief Kevin Flaherty commended the actions of the members of the Secaucus Police Department Patrol and their Detective Divisions, as well as the North Bergen Police Department, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and Newark Police Department for their assistance in this case.
The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Secaucus Police Department Detective Division at (201) 330-2052 or detectivedivision@secaucus.net.
