Kearny Man Arrested For Attempted Hoboken Murder

The Hoboken Police Department this afternoon announced the arrest of 18-year-old Elias Mercado of Kearny on multiple charges, including criminal attempted murder, after shots were fired on Thursday afternoon, December 19, 2024.

A press release from the City states that, “at approximately 1 p.m., Police Officers Bianca Arroyo and Jennifer Lee responded to the area of Fourth and Jackson Streets on reports of shots fired. Additional units also responded.”

Police determined, during an on-scene investigation, that a dispute had taken place between two groups which knew each other.  That dispute led to gunfire.  Police say everyone involved in the incident dispersed the area immediately following the gunfire, some on foot and some in vehicles.  Officers quickly located Mercado in a nearby building and he was arrested for criminal attempted murder.

A bullet casing, 14 wax folds containing a white powdery substance suspected to be CDS heroin, 17 vials containing small white rocks, suspected to be CDS crack cocaine, and cash totaling $126 was found following a search of the area.

The press release added that, “Mercado was transported to Hoboken Police Headquarters where he was further charged with burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, possession with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.”

An investigation by the Hoboken Police Department’s Detective Bureau continues. Anyone who has more information on this case is asked to contact Det. Sgt. William Collins at: Collinsw@hobokenpdnj.gov or: 201-420-2100 ext. 3152.  Tips can be made anonymously.