KEARNY, NJ — Five people have been arrested in connection with a stabbing that occurred during a large fight at a Wawa convenience store in early September, and police are searching for a sixth suspect.
The Kearny Police Department Detective Bureau charged six individuals following the incident at the Wawa located at 150 Harrison Avenue on Sept. 9.
Officers responded to a report of a fight involving an estimated eight to ten people at approximately 2 a.m.
An 18-year-old male from Harrison sustained multiple stab wounds and was transported to University Hospital for treatment.
Police determined the incident was a retaliatory confrontation stemming from a dispute earlier the same evening.
Many of those involved were known to each other, and there was no danger to the general public, according to police.
Following an investigation involving the review of physical and digital evidence and numerous interviews, detectives identified six suspects and secured arrest warrants for all of them.
Five individuals have been arrested: Lucca Melo, Exequiel Aguilar-Argueta, Junior Urquilla, Marvin Martinez and Orlando Santana.
Melo has been charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Aguilar-Argueta, Urquilla, Marvin Martinez and Santana have each been charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.
One suspect, David Martinez, remains at large and is wanted on charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Matos of the Kearny Police Department Detective Bureau at (201) 998-1313 ext. 2837.
