An Asbury Park man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting that occurred last month in the city, according to an announcement from Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Friday.
Jahsaad Banks, 19, faces charges of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The charges stem from a shots-fired incident that occurred on the evening of Wednesday, April 9.
At approximately 6:54 p.m., officers from the Asbury Park Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 1100 block of Atlantic Avenue. Upon arrival, investigators recovered five 9mm shell casings at the scene. No injuries were reported in connection with the shooting.
Following an investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and Asbury Park Police Department, Banks was identified as the suspected shooter. Authorities did not disclose a potential motive or whether the incident was targeted.
Banks was arrested on Wednesday, April 30 in Asbury Park by members of the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Task Force. He was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution and is currently being held pending his first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Suspect held at Monmouth County Correctional Institution
The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, Director of the Major Crimes Bureau. No information was available regarding Banks’ legal representation at the time of the announcement.
Officials emphasized that despite the charges, Banks is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. He is entitled to a trial with all constitutional rights afforded by state and federal law.
No additional information about the circumstances of the shooting or potential witnesses has been released. Authorities have not announced whether further charges or arrests are expected in connection to the case.