Incident Details
On the afternoon of May 3, 2025, at approximately 4 p.m., Jersey City police responded to reports of a motor vehicle crash near the intersection of Old Bergen Road and Merritt Street in the Greenville neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered a vehicle that had collided with a tree. Inside, they found Devon Reid, 39, of Elizabeth, unresponsive in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the neck. Emergency medical services immediately transported Reid to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:16 p.m. the same day.
The initial police response was to a reported crash, highlighting the unexpected nature of the shooting. The location, near Old Bergen Road and Merritt Street, is a residential area, which may have implications for community safety and response.
Suspect Identification and Charges
Following an investigation, authorities identified Gerard Rosario, 28, of Jersey City, as the suspect. Rosario was charged on May 5, 2025, with murder and several weapons offenses. As of May 28, 2025, he remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has released a photo of Rosario to aid in his identification and capture, emphasizing that the public should not approach him due to the potential risk.
The charges against Rosario include murder, reflecting the severity of the incident, and multiple weapons offenses, suggesting the use of a firearm in the crime. However, the news sources did not provide details on how Rosario was identified as a suspect, which remains an area for further investigation or clarification.
Public Safety and Community Response
The incident has raised concerns about public safety in Jersey City, particularly in the Greenville area. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to remain vigilant. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has actively sought public assistance, releasing contact information for tips and ensuring anonymity to encourage reporting.
A table summarizing key details of the incident is provided below for clarity:
Detail
Information
Suspect Name and Age
Gerard Rosario, 28, of Jersey City
Charges
Murder and multiple weapons offenses
Victim Name and Age
Devon Reid, 39, of Elizabeth
Date of Incident
May 3, 2025
Location of Incident
Old Bergen Road and Merritt Street, Greenville
Time of Discovery
Shortly after 4 p.m.
Victim’s Condition Found
In driver’s seat of a car with a gunshot wound to his neck, car hit a tree
Hospital
Jersey City Medical Center
Outcome for Victim
Pronounced dead at 7:16 p.m.
Contact for Information
Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345
Anonymous Tip Submission
hcpo.org/tips
Safety Notice
Do not approach Rosario, keep all information confidential
Authorities’ Request for Assistance
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has provided multiple channels for the public to submit tips, including a direct phone line (201-915-1345) and an online submission form at hcpo.org/tips . This dual approach aims to maximize community engagement and ensure that information can be shared safely and anonymously. The emphasis on confidentiality is crucial, given the suspect’s status as armed and dangerous, which could deter potential witnesses.
Updates and Current Status
As of May 28, 2025, there have been no reported updates on the apprehension of Gerard Rosario, based on the available news sources. The ongoing search underscores the challenges in locating the suspect, and the lack of information on his current whereabouts adds to the urgency of the situation. The community’s role in providing tips remains critical, and law enforcement continues to rely on public cooperation.
Community Impact and Broader Implications
The incident has likely had a significant impact on the Jersey City community, particularly given the violent nature of the crime and its occurrence in a residential area. The death of Devon Reid, 39, of Elizabeth, represents a loss that may resonate beyond his immediate circle, prompting discussions on public safety and crime prevention. The involvement of a car crash further complicates the narrative, suggesting possible flight or pursuit scenarios that could affect traffic and emergency response protocols.
The search for Rosario, ongoing for over three weeks as of May 28, 2025, highlights the complexities of law enforcement operations in urban areas. The lack of updates on his capture may also fuel community anxiety, emphasizing the need for transparent communication from authorities.
Conclusion
This detailed analysis underscores the gravity of the Jersey City shooting incident on May 3, 2025, and the ongoing efforts to locate Gerard Rosario. The collaboration between law enforcement and the community is pivotal in ensuring justice for Devon Reid and enhancing public safety. Residents are encouraged to provide any relevant information, leveraging the provided contact methods to assist in the investigation.
Key Citations
Authorities Ask For Public’s Help Finding Murder Suspect
Cops search for N.J. suspect charged in deadly shooting
Man Wanted for Deadly Jersey City Shooting That Led to Crash
Suspect In Fatal Jersey City Shooting Is Still At Large
HCPO seeking public’s help to locate Jersey City fatal shooting suspect
Jersey City Murder Suspect At Large 25 Days Later Prosecutor Seeks Public’s Help