Affidavit: Hanover shooting victim sought heroin

The victim of an alleged attempted murder Friday in the parking lot of the Econo Lodge in Hanover was trying to buy heroin and was shot in the throat as he intervened in a dispute over the price of the drug, according to an arrest affidavit.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Hanover police on Sunday announced the arrest of Daniel J. Wendt, 23, of Boonton, on charges of attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, being a convicted felon not permitted to possess weapons and possession of a handgun without a permit.

An arrest affidavit, prepared by Hanover Detective Earle Seely and unsealed by state Superior Court Judge James DeMarzo in Morristown, detailed events leading to the shooting that was reported at 3:30 p.m. Friday outside the motel at 1255 Route 10 in the Whippany section of the township.

Police found the victim — identified only as S.W. in the affidavit — shot in the throat. He was transported to Morristown Medical Center, and his condition was not available Wednesday.

An individual, identified only as C.R. in the affidavit, had blood on his or her hands and jacket and was near the victim when police arrived. C.R. told police that he or she lives at the Econo Lodge and was visited on Friday by the shooting victim, who wished to purchase heroin.

C.R., on behalf of the victim, contacted Wendt as an alleged source for the drugs. Wendt also owed C.R. $200. Wendt arrived at the Econo Lodge in a Honda and met C.R. in the parking lot. C.R. got into Wendt’s Honda, where “a verbal disagreement arose regarding the value and purchase of the (controlled dangerous substance) and the $200 owed to C.R.,” the affidavit said.

S.W. was standing outside the car as the dispute went on and then attempted to intervene on C.R.’s behalf. The victim approached the window and tried to talk to Wendt, who “removed a handgun from his waistband and shot the victim in the throat area,” the affidavit said.

C.R. got out of the car to assist the victim and Wendt fled. The affidavit said Wendt previously was convicted of a fourth-degree charge of possession of drugs with the intent to distribute.

Police had a portion of the suspect’s name and a vehicle description, and an arrest warrant was issued for Wendt’s arrest by Saturday.

Authorities announced Sunday that Wendt and Amelia M. Valentin, 24, of Paterson had been located in Brooklyn. Valentin and a child reportedly were in the Honda with Wendt at the Econo Lodge on Friday. Valentin is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and hindering apprehension.

Both Wendt and Valentin were held Wednesday in New York City, awaiting extradition to New Jersey. Wendt’s bail has been set at $750,000.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@njpressmedia.com.