Union County Police Arrest Three Following Stabbing Investigation at Wheeler Park in Linden

On April 18, 2026, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Union County Regional Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a stabbing inside Wheeler Park in Linden, New Jersey. Responding officers from the Union County Police Department and the Linden Police Department located a 14-year-old male victim suffering from visible lacerations to the left side of his back. The victim was transported to JFK University Medical Center in Edison for treatment of stab wounds and lacerations.

An investigation conducted by the Union County Police Department, led by Detective Waddell of the Investigations Division, resulted in the arrest of three individuals. The investigation determined that the victim was assaulted by three suspects, one of whom allegedly brandished and used a knife, causing the victim's injuries. The Union County Prosecutor's Office approved charges against all individuals involved.

On May 4, 2026, members of the Investigations Division arrested two adult suspects. Jaquan Roberts, of Linden, NJ, was arrested, charged, processed, and remanded to the Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing. Kayla Oliveira, of Linden, NJ, was arrested, charged, processed, and released pending a court date in Union County Superior Court.

A third juvenile suspect turned themselves in on May 6, 2026, and was charged, processed, and released pending a court date in Union County Family Court.

Charges filed in this case include:

Against Jaquan Roberts:

1. 2C:12-1B(1) - Second Degree Aggravated Assault
2. 2C:12-1B(2) - Third Degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Knife)
3. 2C:12-3A - Third Degree Terroristic Threats
4. 2C:12-3B - Third Degree Terroristic Threats (Threat to Kill)
5. 2C:39-4 - Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
6. 2C:39-5D - Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
7. 2C:24-4A(2) - Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child
8. 2C:24-4A(2) - Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Against Kayla Oliveira:

1. 2C:12-1A(1) - Disorderly Persons Offense, Simple Assault
2. 2C:24-4A(2) - Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Against the Juvenile Suspect:

1. 2C:12-1B(7) - Third Degree Aggravated Assault
2. 2C:12-1A(1) - Disorderly Persons Offense, Simple Assault

This investigation and the resulting arrests send a clear message that the Union County Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate acts of violence and pursue those who commit crimes that threaten the safety and quality of life of residents and visitors throughout the Union County Park System.