Crime & Safety
Teen Charged With Attempted Murder In Hoboken Shooting: Police
A Hudson County teen was charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting in Hoboken Thursday that caused school lockdowns.
HOBOKEN, NJ — A Kearny teen has been charged with attempted murder in connection with gunshots fired Thursday in Hoboken, a spokesperson said Friday.
Elias Mercado, 18, was arrested on multiple charges, said Hoboken Public Safety Spokesperson Marci Rubin.
The incident started as a "dispute between two groups who knew each other and ended with the exchange of gunfire," she said.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police had rushed to Fourth and Jackson streets around 1 p.m. after someone reported shots fired, they said Thursday.
At least five schools in the city were locked down or told to shelter in place while police investigated.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rubin said that after shots were fired, the people involved left, some in vehicles. But police located Mercado.
Police are continuing to investigate, Rubin said.
Communications Criticized
After the shooting, a city councilwoman and various residents complained that the city sent information about the shooting only on social media, rather than using the city's alert system.
The city was criticized in a similar way two years ago. Patch reached out Thursday for a response, and will post a followup story later today. READ MORE: Delayed Nixle For Lockdowns Riles Residents
Police wrote on social media on Thursday, "Today at approximately 1 p.m., HPD responded to the area of 4th & Jackson on reports of shots fired. No injuries have been reported & there's not believed to be a threat to the public at this time. Detective Bureau is on scene.
"While this was NOT a school related event, out of an abundance of caution, Hoboken PD will have extra officers on hand during dismissal at some schools in the area of the ongoing investigation. More information will be released if/when it becomes available."
Several shootings have taken place in the area of Fourth Street on Hoboken's west side in the last three years. READ MORE: Teen Shot Next To Athletic Field In Hoboken
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