Two Hamilton men arrested, one for attempted murder
Jan 17, 2025
HAMILTON — Two township men were arrested in connection with a December shooting that left two people wounded on Liberty Street.
Juan Cruz, 21, and Nelson Cruz, 18, were taken into custody by U.S. Marshals three weeks after the December 23 shooting. Both men fled the area after warrants were issued for their arrest.
Police responded to reports of gunfire in the 2500 block of Liberty Street at 10:50 am. Two shooting victims drove themselves to the hospital.
Security video showed a dark sedan pull into a driveway. Two people got out and went to the rear of the house. After an argument, shots were fired. The two victims ran back to their vehicle. More shots came through the house window, hitting the windshield as the victims drove away.
The homeowner and witnesses identified Juan and Nelson Cruz as the shooters.
The U.S. Marshals Service, Mercer County Fugitive Task Force, and Mercer County Tactical Response Team located the suspects. Hamilton Police SWAT Team, Anti-Crime Unit and drone unit assisted in the arrests.
Juan Cruz faces charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, weapon possession for unlawful purpose and two counts of prohibited large capacity magazines.
Nelson Cruz is charged with aggravated assault, weapon possession for unlawful purpose and certain persons not to have weapons.
Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective F. LaVacca at 609-581-4080 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.