Jersey City Gang Member Charged in Violent Shooting of Rivals

Micah Reid, aka “Nips,” faces up to life in prison for racketeering-related violence and firearm offense.

A high-ranking member of Jersey City’s Rutgers neighborhood street gang has been charged in connection with a violent shooting that left six individuals wounded, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Micah Reid, 33, known as “Nips,” appeared in federal court in Newark on charges of violent crime in aid of racketeering and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He was detained following his initial hearing.

Details of the Attack

According to court documents and statements, Reid orchestrated and carried out a retaliatory attack against rival gang members on October 1, 2023. Using a stolen vehicle, Reid targeted rivals as they exited a nightclub on Culver Avenue in Jersey City. The attack, which left six individuals with gunshot wounds, was part of an ongoing feud between the Rutgers gang and rival groups operating in areas around the Salem Lafayette Apartments, Wilkinson Avenue, and other Jersey City neighborhoods.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Reid’s residence and recovered the firearm used in the attack, further solidifying the case against him.

Reid faces severe penalties if convicted. The violent crime in aid of racketeering charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The firearm offense includes a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could result in life imprisonment. Both charges also carry fines of up to $250,000 each.

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Violent Crime

This case is part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a joint effort launched in 2018 by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address violent crime in Jersey City. The initiative involves the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Jersey City Police Department, and federal agencies like the FBI, ATF, DEA, and U.S. Marshals.

The investigation was conducted by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under Prosecutor Esther Suarez; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led by Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr.; and the Jersey City Police Department, directed by James Shea.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson is prosecuting the case.

Legal Proceedings

As the case proceeds, Reid remains innocent until proven guilty. The charges reflect only allegations at this stage. However, U.S. Attorney Sellinger emphasized the collaborative success of the VCI in holding violent offenders accountable and improving public safety.

Triangle Park and surrounding neighborhoods have long been plagued by gang violence, with feuds frequently erupting into acts of retaliation. Efforts like the VCI aim to disrupt these cycles, sending a clear message to those engaging in criminal activities.

This latest arrest underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to restore safety and justice to Jersey City’s communities.