Somerville Gunshot Victim Calls Franklin Police For Aid, One Man Charged

Azikwa D. Rustin. Photo: Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

A Somerville man faces attempted murder and other charges in an incident that started in Somerville and spread into Franklin Township.

Azikwa D. Rustin, 30, faces multiple charges in the incident in which a 26-year-old Easton, Pa. man was reportedly shot while sitting in his car near Third and Center streets in Somerville, according to a press release from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

The man made his way to the Easton Avenue area of Franklin, from where he called police to report that he had been shot, according to the release.

The man was taken to an area trauma center for treatment of what police called a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg, according to the release.

Police say that Rustin and another person, who is still on the loose, opened fire on the Pennsylvania man at about 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 26. No motive has been ascertained, but police say the victim may have been mistaken for another person.

During the gunfire, police said, Rustin was shot in the buttocks by his accomplice.

Rustin was taken to an area hospital for treatment of his wound, and, according to the release, is under police guard. He will be taken to Somerset County Jail, Somerville, upon his release, where he will be held pending a detention hearing.

Rustin was charged with 1st Degree attempted murder, 2nd Degree possession of a firearm, 2nd Degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and 2nd Degree certain persons prohibited from possessing or controlling a firearm, according to the release.

Authorities ask that anyone with information regarding shooting contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100, the Somerville Borough Police Department at 908-725-0331, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net and click on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS HOTLINE”.  All calls will be kept confidential.

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