UNION CITY -- A man was stabbed to death near a homeless encampment on Manhattan Avenue Friday night, authorities said.

Verdejo Cruz, 79, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The victim has not been positive identified, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced.

Police were called to Third Street and Manhattan Avenue near the "makeshift homes" at about 7:40 p.m. on reports a man was injured or possibly dead, officials said.

The victim was unresponsive and had multiple stab wounds to his upper body. He was brought to Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, authorities said.

His death was ruled a homicide after the medical examiner determined he died from sharp force wounds to his torso. It is the second homicide in Union City this year and 11th in Hudson County.

Cruz was found at the scene and placed under arrest. Suarez credited homicide detectives and the Union City Police Department with making the arrest.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call homicide detectives at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor's website. All information will be kept confidential.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.