A homicide that took place in Plainfield late Thursday evening is under investigation, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Friday.
The victim has been identified as 60-year-old Frank Drayton.
Plainfield Police Division patrol units responding to a report of gunshots being fired rushed to the 700 block of West Fourth Street several minutes before midnight on Thursday and found Drayton, who was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
A joint investigation involving the Union County Homicide Task Force, Plainfield Police Division, and Union County Sheriff’s Office Identification Unit to this point has revealed that Drayton was sitting on his rear porch when an unidentified individual approached him, brandished a handgun, and demanded money.
Following an exchange of words, the suspect shot Drayton, then fled the area on foot.
Anyone with information about Drayton’s death is being urged to contact Homicide Task Force Sgt. Jose Vendas at 908-358-3048.
The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477), via text message by texting “UCTIP” plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES), or online at www.uctip.org.