Linden Police Arrest Suspect in Bar Shooting

Charlie Dwyer
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LINDEN, NJ – Police arrested Najir Paige, 27, following a three-week investigation into a shooting at a local bar earlier this month.

Just after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022, Police responded to Menga Lounge, located at 1906 E. St. George Ave, on a reported shooting. Investigators allege that Paige was involved in an altercation at the bar. Following the argument, Paige reportedly exited the bar, retrieved a handgun from a nearby vehicle, returned, and fired multiple shots through the bar’s front door.

A 28-year-old man, a 24-year-old woman, and a 23-year-old woman were injured during the attack.

Paige was arrested on August 24, 2022, after members of Union County S.W.A.T., with assistance from the Linden Police Department, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, executed a search warrant at his residence in East Orange. He is charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a weapon, and associated crimes.


“We welcome people from all over the area to come to enjoy the many restaurants and businesses our city has to offer, but make no mistake; violent crime has no place in Linden, and we will aggressively pursue those who disrupt the peace and safety that our community deserves,” said Police Chief David Hart. “I am very proud of the work that our Officers, Detectives, and Investigators do daily to keep violent offenders like this off our streets.”

Paige is currently detained at the Essex County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court. A second suspect, identified as 25-year-old Sharif Evans (pictured below), also of East Orange, is also charged for his role in the incident. Evans currently remains at large.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The second suspect in last month’s nightclub shooting has been arrested.

Sharif Evans, 25, of East Orange, surrendered to Police on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Evans is charged with third-degree hindering, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and other associated charges stemming from his involvement in a shooting at a local nightclub on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Evans was remanded to the Essex County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court.

A second suspect in the shooting, Najir Paige, 27, of East Orange, was previously arrested on August 24, 2022.

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