A Plainfield man was arrested Monday evening, October 3, in a shooting death that took place on September 17, according to Union County officials.
Officials said Michael Cruz, 20, is charged with first-degree murder and weapons offenses in connection with the shooting of David Michael Buck of Somerset.
On September 17 at approximately 6:38 p.m., Plainfield Police Officers responded to the area of the 700 Block of Kensington Avenue in Plainfield after reports of gunshots in the area, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterman, who is prosecuting the case.
“Upon their arrival, they located a male victim, David Michael Buck of Somerset, who was suffering from gunshot wounds,” Peterman stated.
Mr. Buck was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced dead.
On October 3 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Michael Cruz was taken into custody by members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force (USMS) in Philadelphia.
The suspect was transported to the Philadelphia Police Department, where he is awaiting extradition proceedings to return him to New Jersey.
“We appreciate the hard work and collaboration with our local and federal law enforcement agencies who assisted our office in locating and apprehending the suspect,” Prosecutor Daniel said.
“We hope this arrest can bring some small measure of comfort to all those grieving Mr. Buck.”
Anyone with information should contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Sergeant Chris Scuorzo at 908-472-0492, Detective Ryan Kirsh at 908-347-1420, or the Plainfield Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau at 908-753- 3131.
These criminal charges are mere accusations.