Teenager Charged with Assault and Weapons Offenses

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at approximately 4:17 P.M., members of the Phillipsburg Police Department responded to the 100 block of Henderson Street after receiving an alert from Phillipsburg’s ShotSpotter. Upon arrival, officers located several discharged cartridge casings located at the corner of Henderson Street and Wilson Street. Patrol also located bullet holes in a vehicle parked nearby. No injuries were reported in the incident. Video footage of the area identified the shooter as, Juvenile XX who is 17 years old.

Juvenile XX was charged as follows:

1. Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2A(1), a crime of the second degree;
2. Aggravated Assault, specifically by firing a handgun at the victim, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1B(1), a crime of the second degree;
3. Failure to Posses a permit to carry, specifically by being in possession of a handgun, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4, a crime of the second degree; and
4. Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically by being in possession of a handgun and firing said handgun at the victim, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39- 4A(1), a crime of the second degree.
5. Criminal Mischief specifically by striking a parked vehicle causing damage in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3A(1) a crime of the fourth degree.

The complaint was approved on a warrant and the juvenile was detained pending a Preliminary Hearing before a Family Court Judge. These charges are merely accusations. The juvenile is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, the Warren County Regional Crime Scene Team, the New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Unit, and the NJSP Strategic Investigations Unit assisted the Phillipsburg Police Department with the investigation.

This is an ongoing investigation. The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and Phillipsburg Police Department are asking anyone with information to contact the non-emergency line at the Phillipsburg Police Department (908) 835-2002.