January 16, 2025
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Police Division has arrested Juan Cruz, a 21-year-old male and Nelson Cruz, an 18-year-old male, both from Hamilton NJ, in connection with Attempted Homicide/ Weapons offenses, that occurred on December 23, 2024.At approximately 10:50 a.m. on the morning of December 23, 2024, officers responded to the 2500 block of Liberty St. on the report of shots fired. While en route to the area, police dispatch relayed to responding officers that two victims suffered gunshot wounds and were being driven to the hospital.Video surveillance shows a dark colored sedan pulling into the driveway with two individuals exiting the vehicle and going toward the rear of the residence. While at the rear of the residence, an argument ensued and shortly after, gunshots rang out. The two individuals, later determined to be the gunshot victims, retreated to their vehicle and while attempting to flee the area, more gunshots are seen and heard coming through the window of the residence striking the vehicle in the windshield. The vehicle then speeds off down Liberty Street and out of sight.Through interviews of the homeowner and witnesses, positive identifications were made on the suspected shooters from the residence. Those identified were Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz. Hamilton Police Detectives signed criminal complaints and warrants were issued for both Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz; however, at the time warrants were issued, Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz fled and were unable to be located.The assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, The Mercer County Fugitive Task Force and The Mercer County Tactical Response Team was then requested in locating the suspects. Approximately 3 weeks later, The US Marshals were able to pinpoint the suspect’s location and warrants for both Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz were executed and both were taken into custody without any further incident. Thank you to all involved.Special thanks to the Hamilton Police SWAT Team, Anti-Crime Unit and UAV (drone) unit for their participation in apprehending the suspects.Juan Cruz was charged with Attempted Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and two (2) counts of Prohibited Large Capacity Magazines.Nelson Cruz was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Certain Persons Not To Have Weapons.The Hamilton Police Division is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. We encourage anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact Detective F. LaVacca #469 at 609-581-4080 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law