By: Richard L. Smith
A fugitive wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at the NJ TRANSIT Long Branch Station has been apprehended in the Poconos, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.
Mr. Damian Bass, 19, of Fanwood, New Jersey, was arrested in the Effort section of Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania, on Thursday.
The arrest was carried out by members of the U.S. Marshals Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force Monmouth/Ocean Team.
Bass is accused of fatally shooting 43-year-old James Hailey of Newark on the evening of August 26.
Long Branch Police responded to the shooting at the NJ TRANSIT Long Branch Station shortly before 7:45 p.m., where they found Hailey suffering from a gunshot wound.
Hailey was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead about an hour later.
An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO), New Jersey Transit Police, and Long Branch Police identified Bass as the suspect.
He was charged with first-degree murder and multiple weapons offenses the following day.
Bass remains in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to Monmouth County, where he will face charges in Superior Court. As of now, information regarding Bass’ legal representation is unavailable.
Prosecutor Santiago praised the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies.
“We sincerely thank our municipal, county, state, and federal partners for their seamless cooperation in managing this investigation and making this arrest,” Santiago said.
New Jersey Transit Police Deputy Chief Andrew Crowe also commended the swift actions of law enforcement, stating, “This arrest was made possible through close coordination between agencies, demonstrating that those who commit acts of violence on our public transit network will be brought to justice.”
Authorities are still seeking additional information related to the case.
Anyone with details is urged to contact MCPO Detective Aaron Shaw at 800-533-7443, New Jersey Transit Police Detective Brian Lee at 973-491-8952, or Long Branch Police Detective Daniel Cunha at 732-222-1000, Ext. 1373.
Bass is expected to face prosecution in Monmouth County after extradition proceedings are complete.