North Arlington, NJ — July 20, 2026 — Authorities in Bergen County are continuing to investigate a fatal shooting that left two men dead near the border of North Arlington and Kearny on Sunday evening.
According to a statement released by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, the incident occurred on July 19, 2026, at approximately 8:37 p.m. Police were dispatched after receiving multiple reports of gunfire near the intersection of Ridge Road and Belleville Turnpike, an area where Ridge Road transitions into Kearny Avenue between the two municipalities.
Responding officers from the North Arlington Police Department, assisted by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, Kearny Police Department, and Lyndhurst Police Department, arrived at the scene and discovered two adult men suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical aid was immediately provided by first responders, including members of the Bergen County Rapid Deployment Team.
The victims were identified as Brian Dominick Lockett, 28, of North Arlington, and Ezequiel Aquino, 29, of Newark. Both men were transported from the scene in separate ambulances to University Hospital in Newark. Despite life-saving efforts, both victims were later pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Special Investigations Squad joined North Arlington police in launching a comprehensive investigation. Investigators worked through the night gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
Preliminary findings indicate that the shooting occurred near the intersection and was not connected to any of the nearby businesses. Authorities have also determined that the violence stemmed from an altercation involving two small groups of individuals. Investigators emphasized that the incident appears to have been isolated and that there is currently no ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains active and is being led by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under Chief Jeff Angermeyer in partnership with the North Arlington Police Department under Chief Michael Horton.
Officials have not released additional details and are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators as the case continues to develop.
