7 Arrested In Connection With Union County Shooting In 2023

LINDEN, NJ — Seven people have been arrested in connection with a 2023 shooting in the downtown area of Linden.

Shortly before 5 p.m. on May 31, 2023, Officers went to the area of N. Wood Avenue and E. Blancke Street on reports of shots fired and people running.

The shooter allegedly showed a black handgun and fired one shot during an argument, said police.

No injuries were reported, but a single shell casing was recovered from the scene.

A two-year investigation identified the parties involved and led to the arrests. Detectives also learned that the suspects took multiple steps to conceal their involvement and mislead investigators, said police.

In the early morning hours of May 21, 2025, Linden Police Detectives, assisted by Union County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, executed warrants in Elizabeth, Roselle, and Linden.

Two male juveniles, a 17-year-old from Elizabeth and a 15-year-old from Linden, along with Nafee Finney, 18, and Joshua Ruth, 18, of Elizabeth, Micai Watson, 18, of Roselle, and Samir Cherry, 18, of Linden were arrested.

Juveniles complaints were filed against both juveniles for conspiracy to commit second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree rioting. An additional complaint was filed against the 17-year-old for fourth-degree hindering.

Both juveniles were remanded to the Essex County Jail pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court.

Finney, Ruth, Watson, and Cherry are each charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and third-degree rioting. Ruth is additionally charged with fourth-degree hindering.

All were remanded to the Union County Jail pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court.

Diedra Washington, 42, of Roselle, is also charged with fourth-degree hindering for her involvement in covering up the crime. She was released on a summons pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court.

"Violent crime will never be tolerated in our community, and this case demonstrates our commitment and resolve to seeing those responsible brought to justice, no matter how long it takes,: said Police Chief David Hart. "Detectives overcame significant obstacles throughout this investigation, and I want to commend each of them for their incredible commitment and persistence to see this case through to its conclusion."

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