Park Shooting, Armed Carjacking End In Arrest Of Union County Man

LINDEN, NJ — A Union County man has been arrested following what authorities describe as an armed carjacking and a later shooting near a crowded park in Linden last month.

Ryan Billups, 20, of Rahway, was arrested at his home on May 28 after a weeks-long investigation into both incidents, according to the Linden Police Department.

Investigators say the case began in the early morning hours of April 15, when two masked individuals approached a driver in Linden, ordered the person out of the vehicle at gunpoint, and took the car before leaving the area.

Later that night, authorities say the stolen vehicle was used in a shooting near a park where a group of people had gathered. Investigators say more than a dozen shots were fired toward the crowd. No injuries were reported.

After reviewing evidence and conducting an investigation, detectives identified Billups as a suspect in both incidents, police said.

Billups is charged with first-degree carjacking and conspiracy to commit carjacking, along with multiple weapons-related offenses and aggravated assault charges.

He is being held at the Essex County Jail while he awaits his first court appearance.

Linden Police Chief David Hart said the investigation required extensive work by detectives over several weeks.

“This was a complex and comprehensive investigation, and I am proud of the Officers and Detectives whose relentless efforts led to these charges,” Hart said.

Police say the investigation remains active.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Ariel Franjul at (908) 474-8538 or afranjul@lpdnj.org, or Det. Dan Hemenway at (908) 474-8532 or dhemenway@lpdnj.org.