MARCH 1, 2023

NEWS RELEASE

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Somerville Chief of Police Dennis Manning announced the arrest of Justice P. Philip, age 23, Girard Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey for attempted murder in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 25, 2023, in Somerville.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on February 25, 2023, at approximately 3:09 a.m., Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the area of North Gaston Avenue and East High Street for reports of loud noises and vehicles speeding. Upon arrival, Somerville Police Department officers spoke to an adult male victim who reported that during an argument with Justice Philip, Philip crashed into his vehicle and shot a firearm at him. No injuries were reported to be sustained. Detectives from the Somerville Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to investigate. As a result of this investigation, Justice Philip was identified as the alleged shooter.

On Monday, February 27, 2023, defendant Philip voluntarily surrendered himself to authorities without incident at Franklin Township Police Department. Prosecutor McDonald stated that defendant Philip was charged with one count of 1st degree Attempted Murder and one count of 2nd degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Defendant Philip was lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing in this matter.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Fodor, and Chief Manning request anyone with information relating to the attempted murder to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Somerville Police Department at (908) 725-0331 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

      NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.