By: Richard L. Smith
A teenager from Iselin has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that took place inside a local Applebee’s restaurant in Linden last month.
According to information released by the Linden Police Department, 18-year-old Dwayne Exilus was taken into custody without incident by the Union County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad on Monday, April 7, 2025, at a residence in Iselin.
His arrest comes more than two weeks after he allegedly fled from police following a late-night shooting.
The incident occurred just after midnight on March 23, when Linden Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at Aviation Plaza.
Upon arrival, officers determined that multiple shots had been fired from inside the Applebee’s restaurant, prompting several suspects to flee the scene.
A description of the individuals involved was broadcast to responding units, leading officers to two males near the intersection of West 15th Street and South Stiles Street. When approached, both attempted to run.
One of the suspects, a 17-year-old from Newark, was apprehended after a brief struggle. Two handguns were also recovered at the time. The second suspect managed to escape.
Over the next two weeks, an investigation led by the Linden Police Juvenile Aid Bureau identified Exilus as the individual who evaded arrest that night.
He is now charged with fourth-degree obstruction of the administration of law and is being held at the Essex County Jail pending a court appearance.
The shooting remains under active investigation by the Juvenile Aid Bureau.
Police have not yet disclosed a motive or whether anyone was injured in the gunfire.