Woodbridge Teen Arrested In Connection With Linden Applebee's Shooting

LINDEN, NJ — An 18-year-old man from the Iselin section of Woodbridge was arrested in connection with a shooting outside the Linden Applebee's last month, according to the Linden Police Department.

A 17-year-old Newark teen was also charged. Two other suspects remain at large.

Dwayne Exilus, 18, was arrested in Iselin Monday. He is charged with fourth-degree obstruction of the administration of law, and was remanded to the Essex County Jail.

The shooting took place outside the Linden Applebee's — located in Aviation Plaza off Rt. 1 — just after midnight on March 23. Police say four men entered the restaurant, and after finding the victim, chased him out of the restaurant.

Several shots were fired either inside or outside of the restaurant. No injuries were reported, and the four suspects fled the scene.

Linden Police apprehended one suspect, a 17-year-old Newark resident, shortly afterwards, and two handguns were recovered. Juvenile complaints were filed against the 17-year-old for aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

A two-week investigation by the Linden Police Juvenile Aid Bureau identified Exilus as one of the suspects. He was taken into custody without incident by the Union County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad.

The two other men involved remain at large.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Linden Police Juvenile Aid Bureau, and anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Jacyn McPhail at 908-474-8520 or via email at jmcphail@lpdnj.org.

Information also be shared anonymously via email to crimetips@lpdnj.org.