A member of the Rutgers neighborhood street gang in Jersey City has been charged for his involvement in a shooting incident targeting rival gang members. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Micah Reid, also known as "Nips," aged 33, from Jersey City, faces charges including one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Reid appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court and was detained.
Court documents reveal that Reid is associated with the Rutgers neighborhood street gang operating around Triangle Park in Jersey City. This gang has a history of retaliatory violence against rival gangs situated near Salem Lafayette Apartments and other nearby areas.
The incident occurred on October 1, 2023, when Reid allegedly used a stolen vehicle to shoot at rival gang members exiting a nightclub on Culver Avenue in Jersey City, resulting in six individuals sustaining gunshot wounds. Law enforcement recovered the firearm from Reid's residence during a search warrant execution.
Reid could face up to 30 years for the violent crime charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life for the firearm offense, which must run consecutively with any other sentence imposed. Both charges carry potential fines up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited several law enforcement agencies for their roles in the investigation: Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office led by Prosecutor Esther Suarez; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under Special Agent L.C. Cheeks Jr.; and the Jersey City Police Department directed by James Shea.
This case is part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), established in 2018 to combat violent crime through collaboration among federal, state, county, and city agencies prioritizing prosecution against dangerous offenders.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson from Newark's General Crimes Unit represents the government in this case.
The complaint's charges are accusations only; Micah Reid remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.