Man Apprehended In Long Branch Train Station Fatal Shooting

LONG BRANCH, NJ — An arrest has been made in the fatal shooting that took place on the platform at the Long Branch train station Aug. 26.

A 19-year-old man with a last known address in Fanwood (Union County) was arrested in the Poconos this week and charged with the crime, which is first-degree murder, said Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago.

Damian Bass was arrested Thursday in the Effort section of Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania Thursday by members of the Scranton-based U.S. Marshals, and the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force Monmouth/Ocean Team.

Police say he shot and killed a Newark man on the platform of the Long Branch train station at 7:45 p.m. August 26, a Monday.

Long Branch Police responded for a report of a shooting victim and when they got there, found 43-year-old James Hailey of Newark, who had sustained a gunshot wound. Hailey was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased about an hour later.

An investigation involving members of the MCPO, New Jersey Transit Police, and Long Branch Police resulted in Bass being identified as a suspect. The very next day, a warrant was issued for his arrest for first-degree murder and two related weapons offenses.

Bass remains in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition, pending proceedings to be held in Monmouth County Superior Court.

“We sincerely thank our various municipal, county, state and federal partners who have worked with us so seamlessly in helping manage this investigation and making this arrest,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “It was a prime example of well-coordinated, efficient and thorough cooperative work involving many moving parts.”

"Those who commit acts of violence on our public transit network will be brought to justice," said New Jersey Transit Police Deputy Chief Andrew Crowe. "This arrest was made possible through close coordination between law enforcement agencies and good, solid police work."

First report: Man Shot And Killed On Long Branch Train Platform Monday (Aug. 27)