ARRESTED:
JANELLE L. STRICKLAND OF STEWARTSVILLE, NEW JERSEY, AGE: 21
JOHN P. HOPKINS OF PHILLIPSBURG, NEW JERSEY, AGE: 26
EARL S. DEEMER OF PHILLIPSBURG, NEW JERSEY, AGE: 34
QUADIR N. GRAY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, AGE: 23
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Greenwich Township Police Department responded to the area of Prospect Street and Beacon Street in the Upper Stewartsville section of the township for reports of shots fired.
The preliminary investigation determined that a physical altercation involving multiple individuals escalated, resulting in one or more firearms being discharged. No injuries from the gunfire were reported.
As a result of the investigation, on July 1, 2026, Janelle Strickland, John Hopkins, Earl Deemer, and Quadir Gray were charged on Complaint Warrants with the offenses below. Strickland and Hopkins were arrested, processed, and lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center.
On Wednesday, July 8, 2026 members of the United States Marshal’s Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Gray in Newark, New Jersey. Gray was arrested, processed, and lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center.
Additionally, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Deemer turned himself into Greenwich Township Police Department. He was arrested, processed, and lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center.
The Court is expected to hear the State’s Motion for Pretrial Detention regarding Gray and Deemer next week.
Janelle L. Strickland
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a handgun, without first obtaining a permit, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1), a crime of the second degree.
John P. Hopkins
- (2 counts) Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a handgun, without first obtaining a permit, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1), a crime of the second degree.
Earl S. Deemer
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a handgun, without first obtaining a permit, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1), a crime of the second degree;
- Certain person not to possess a weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1), a crime of the second degree.
Quadir N. Gray
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a handgun, without first obtaining a permit, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1), a crime of the second degree;
- Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1), a crime of the second degree;
- Aggravated Assault, specifically by discharging a firearm in the direction of an individuals, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), a crime of the second degree.
The charges are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
At this time, the incident is believed to be isolated, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
This investigation was conducted by the Greenwich Township Police Department, and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. Assistance was provided by the Warren County Regional Crime Scene Team, Blairstown Township Police Department, Lopatcong Township Police Department, Pohatcong Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Police Washington Barracks, and the United States Marshal’s Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.