Violent Linden Shooting Incident Leads To Arrest Of East Orange Man

East Orange Man Arrested in Connection with Shooting at Local Bar. Second suspect remains at large. 

Najir Paige, 27, is under arrest following a three week investigation into a shootingthat occurred at a local bar earlier this month.Just after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022.

Police responded to Menga Lounge, located at 1906 E. St. George Ave, on a reported shooting.

Investigators allege that Paige was involved in an altercation at the bar. Following the altercation Paige reportedly exited the bar, retrieved a handgun from a nearby vehicle, returned, and fired multiple shots through the front door of the bar.

A 28-year-old man, along with a 24-year-old woman and a 23-year-old woman, were injured during the attack. 

Paige was arrested on August 24, 2022 after members of Union County S.W.A.T., with assistance from the Linden Police Department, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit executed a search warrant at his residence in East Orange.

He is charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a weapon, and associated crimes.

“We welcome people from all over the area to come enjoy the many restaurants and businesses our city has to offer, but make no mistake; violent crime has no place in Linden and we will aggressively pursue those who disrupt the peace and safety that our community deserves,” said Police Chief David Hart.

“I am very proud of the work that that our Officers, Detectives, and Investigators do each and every day to keep violent offenders like this off our streets.”

Paige is currently detained at the Essex County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court.

A second suspect, identified as 25-year-old Sharif Evans, also of East Orange, is also charged for his role in the incident.

Evans currently remains at large.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Banner Image: Shooting incident. Image Credit – Maurício Mascaro