Linden Police Charge Three People After 14-Year-Old Boy Stabbed at Local Park

Authorities in Union County have charged three people, including two adults and one juvenile, after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed during an incident at a park in Linden, New Jersey, according to investigators.

Police said the violent encounter happened around 5:15 p.m. on April 17 at Wheeler Park in Linden. Emergency responders arrived after reports that a teenage boy had been injured during an altercation at the park.

Officials said the victim suffered stab wounds and cuts on the left side of his back. The teenager was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not released updated details about his condition.

Investigators spent several weeks reviewing the case before making arrests earlier this month. As a result of the investigation, Linden residents Jaquan Roberts and Kayla Oliveira were taken into custody on May 4.

Roberts is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, terroristic threats, weapons offenses, and endangering the welfare of a child. Court records did not list an attorney for him at the time information was released publicly.

Oliveira was charged with simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Officials said she is expected to make her first court appearance on June 17. An attorney representing Oliveira was not immediately available for comment.

A juvenile suspect was later charged on May 6 with the same offenses filed against Oliveira.

The case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing the events that led to the stabbing. Officials have not publicly released additional information about what may have caused the confrontation at the park.

The incident has raised renewed concern about youth violence and public safety in community spaces across New Jersey. Wheeler Park, where the stabbing occurred, is commonly used by local families and teenagers, making the case especially troubling for nearby residents.

Law enforcement agencies in Union County continue urging residents to report violent activity and cooperate with ongoing investigations to help improve safety in public areas.

Sources:

Union County Prosecutor’s Office
Linden Police Department
New Jersey Court Records