AG Grewal and Colonel Callahan Announce Charges Against 10 Additional Members of Caravan That Confronted and Shot New Jersey State Trooper

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan today announced arrests and charges involving 10 new defendants who allegedly were part of the hostile mob that confronted and shot a New Jersey State Trooper on the evening of Saturday, April 25, in Pittsgrove, N.J.

The following persons were arrested this morning by the New Jersey State Police, with the exception of Waters, who is being sought on an arrest warrant. All 10 were charged by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault (2nd degree) and rioting (3rd degree).

1. Ashley Diaz-Acevedo, 22, of Bridgeton, N.J.
2. Melissa Romero, 22, of Bridgeton, N.J.
3. Noel Lazu, 20, of Bridgeton, N.J.
4. Markese Rogers, 25, of Pittsgrove, N.J.
5. Aisha McArthur, 25, of Vineland, N.J.
6. Rovell L. McArthur Jr., 26, of Vineland, N.J.
7. Jenislen Quiles, 19, of Bridgeton, N.J.
8. Shakeem Waters, 31, of Bridgeton, N.J.
9. Thomas Nieves III, 30, of Bridgeton, N.J.
10. Chayana Diaz, 22, of Bridgeton, N.J.

It is alleged that these defendants were part of a five-car caravan that went to the Harding Woods mobile home park in Pittsgrove intending to attack and injure a resident there and damage her home. Members of the caravan – including additional defendants charged previously – were armed with at least two handguns, one knife, and one bottle, and at least three fired upon Detective Richard Hershey.

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