JERSEY CITY- Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and police department officials are seeking help from the public in the capture of a gunman believed responsible for firing errant rounds into a van with children outside a church.
Police have identified Bahiem “Buddha†Shuler, who is considered to be armed and dangerous, and is wanted for his role in a May 22, 2012 shootout on Forrest Street where stray bullets struck a church van filled with children. None of the children were injured.
“This vicious and violent criminality will never be tolerated,†said Mayor Healy. “Fortunately, no harm came to those children or any other innocent bystanders. The Police have had measureable success in stopping crime in troubled sectors and rest assured they will aggressively pursue this suspect and anyone linked to this incident or anyone who threatens the lives and safety of our law abiding citizens.â€
Shortly after the shooting one man, Darion Pinkney, 20, was arrested nearby while in possession of a loaded firearm. Pinkney was charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses. Once in custody, Shuler will be charged similarly.
Shuler, 27, who has prior convictions for weapons and illegal drug charges, was last known to reside in Jersey City and was a frequent visitor to the Forrest Street area. Anyone with information is urged to call police at the Major Case Unit 201-547-5383, 201-547-4664.
All calls are kept strictly confidential.
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