Two arrested in Hanover Econo Lodge shooting

HANOVER TWP. – Police charged two people early Sunday morning in connection with a Friday afternoon shooting at the Econo Lodge on Route 10 that left one man hurt.

Daniel J. Wendt, 23, of Boonton, was arrested in Brooklyn as a fugitive from justice, according to a joint statement released by Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Hanover Township Police Chief Stephen W. Gallagher Sunday afternoon.

Wendt has been charged with one count of attempted murder, one count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, the statement said. He was taken into custody by members of the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hanover Township Police Department with the assistance of the New York Police Department.

Also arrested was Amelia M. Valentin, 24, of Paterson, who was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and hindering apprehension. Both charges are related to the ongoing investigation.

Pending extradition proceedings, both Wendt and Valentin are being held in the custody of the New York authorities.

The shooting took place about 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 at the Econo Lodge, located at 1255 Route 10 East in Whippany, police said.

The victim suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to authorities. His identity is being withheld at this time.

On Friday, directly after the shooting, Hanover Township Detective Glenn Yanovak told the Daily Record police were searching for a male suspect driving a gold, four-door Honda Civic.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section also took part in the investigation.

“Assistant Prosecutor Sahil Kabse worked tirelessly with detectives with the Major Crimes Unit and the Hanover Police Department, who were led by Lt. Mark Roddy, Lt. Robert McNally, and Sgt. Steven Brylinski to solve this case and swiftly bring this dangerous defendant to justice,” said Knapp and Gallagher in a joint statement.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Hanover Township Police Department at 973-428-2512, or Crimestoppers at 973-267-2255.

Lorraine Ash: 973-428-6660; lash@njpressmedia.com