🔪 MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER STABBING AT WHEELER PARK

LINDEN, NJ — August 27, 2026 — A 40-year-old man is recovering in stable condition after police say he was stabbed multiple times Wednesday afternoon at Wheeler Park in Linden.

According to the Union County Police Department, officers were dispatched to Wheeler Park at approximately 1:36 p.m. on August 26 following a report of an aggravated assault.

Linden police subsequently intercepted a male near Aviation Plaza in the area of Route 1&9 and Stiles Street. Authorities said the suspect indicated that he had stabbed another man at Wheeler Park and was immediately taken into custody.

Officers searching the area located a 40-year-old male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds near Stiles Street and Route 1&9. Police said the victim was conscious and alert when emergency personnel arrived.

Linden Fire Department/EMS and Union County police personnel provided immediate medical assistance before the victim was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he remains in stable condition.

Police identified the suspect as Mark Minotti, 27, who was arrested and transported to the Union County Police Department for an interview and processing.

Minotti was charged with:

🔴 First-Degree Attempted Murder 🔴 Second-Degree Aggravated Assault 🔴 Aggravated Assault With a Weapon 🔴 Third-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose — Knife 🔴 Fourth-Degree Unlawful Possession of an Other Weapon

Authorities said Minotti was subsequently transported to Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth.

Investigators believe the incident was a random attack involving a single actor. Police said there is no continuing threat to Wheeler Park or the surrounding area.

⚖️ IMPORTANT: All charges are allegations. Minotti is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in a court of law.

🚔 Garden State News Network will continue to follow this developing investigation.