Plainfield man arrested for Friday murder

A Plainfield man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in Plainfield on Friday afternoon, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James T. Abney announced Sunday.
Plainfield man arrested for Friday murder

PLAINFIELD, NJ – Police in Plainfield responded to a shooting at an intersection in the city Friday afternoon that left Eric C. Williams, 50, of Plainfield, dead.

According to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Haneef Welch, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with Williams’ death.

“Shortly before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022, members of the Plainfield Police Department responded to the intersection of Johnston Ave and Front Street in Plainfield, and found Williams at that location, having sustained injury,” the UCPO said in a statement. “He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Cleaver, who is prosecuting the case.”

An investigation by police and county prosecutor’s officers determined Welch was the gunman and he was taken into custody without incident Friday evening. He is currently lodged in the Union County Jail pending a first appearance.