Union County Police Charge Suspect with Attempted Murder Following Stabbing at Wheeler Park

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.