On December 13, 2025, at approximately 7:07 PM, Roselle officers were dispatched to the 300 block of West 5th Avenue for reports of shots fired. While responding, officers came upon a two-car crash at West 3rd Avenue and Locust Street.
The crash involved a 2024 Hyundai Kona, driven by a lone female who was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox driven by the gunshot victim and occupied by two additional passengers. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage.
While officers were securing the crash scene, they saw a male and female walking away from the area. The male, identified as Je-Nyele Yasir Thomas, 19, of Bayonne, told officers he had been shot and required medical attention. Officers immediately provided aid and requested EMS. Thomas was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he remains in stable condition. He sustained a single through-and-through gunshot wound to the mid-torso that resulted in internal bleeding.
Officers then secured both the crash site and the area around 355 West 5th Avenue, which is believed to be the location of the shooting. Surrounding agencies responded to assist. Out of an abundance of caution, the Union County SWAT Team was activated to clear the residence.
Press Release Update
During the course of the investigation, detectives developed evidence identifying the shooter as Emerton Joseph, age 18, of Roselle.
A warrant for Joseph’s arrest was entered into NCIC. On 12/23/25, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service, Joseph was located operating a 2009 Honda within the Borough of Roselle. Roselle Detectives and the U.S. Marshals converged on the vehicle at the intersection of West 6th Avenue and Chestnut Street. A high-risk motor vehicle stop was conducted. The vehicle, which had tinted windows, was occupied by three individuals. Emerton Joseph was identified as the driver and was taken into custody without incident. The two additional occupants were released after warrant checks were conducted.
Emerton Joseph is charged with: First degree criminal attempt 2c:5-1A(1)/2c:11-3A(1), Third degree Aggravated assault 2c:12-1B(2), Fourth degree pointing a firearm at a person 2c:12-1B(4), Third degree endangering the welfare of a child 2c:24-4A(2), Second degree Possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose 2c:39-4A(1), Second degree unlawful possession of a weapon 2c:39-5B(1), Second degree Aggravated assault 2c:12-1B(1), Third degree attempted aggravated assault 2c:12-1B(2), and Fourth degree aggravated assault 2c:12-1B(4).
Emerton Joseph was processed and transported to County Jail pending a CJP hearing. - May
“Let this serve as a clear message. Violence in Roselle will be met with a rapid and coordinated law enforcement response. I am proud of the professionalism shown by our police department and grateful for the partnership that led to an arrest.” – Mayor Donald Shaw
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact the Roselle Police Department Detective Bureau at 908-245-9200. We want to thank the US Marshals Service, Union County SWAT, Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union Count Sheriff’s Office for their coordinated assistance.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
