On August 26, at approximately 1336 hours, the Union County Police Department was dispatched to Wheeler Park for a report of an aggravated assault. Linden PD intercepted a male near Aviation Plaza on Rt 1/9 and Stiles St.
The suspect indicated that he stabbed another male in Wheeler Park and was immediately detained. A search of the area revealed a 40-year-old male who suffered multiple stab wounds in the park, near Stiles St and route 1 & 9. The victim was conscious and alert.
Linden FD/EMS and Union County Police personnel arrived, provided immediate care, and transported the victim to University Hospital-Newark, where he remains in stable condition.
Suspect Mark Minotti, DOB 12/31/1998, was arrested, transported to the Union County Police Department, interviewed, processed, and charged with the following:
2C:5-1/2C:11-3a(1) First Degree Attempted Murder
2C:12-1b(1) Second Degree Aggravated Assault
2C:12-1B2 Aggravated Assault with Weapon
2C:39-4d 3rd Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose (Knife)
2C:39-5d 4th Degree Unlawful Possession of a “other” Weapon
He has been transported to Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth. All charges are allegations; suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Based on the investigation, this is believed to be a random attack by a single actor. There is no continuing safety threat to Wheeler Park or the surrounding area.