Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passaic Police Chief Luis A. Guzman announced that based upon an investigation by the Passaic Police Department, a 15-year-old juvenile was arrested in relation to a shooting investigation that took place the same day.
According to officials, the 15-year-old juvenile is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Knife) Fourth Degree, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, Fourth Degree; and Possession of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
According to police, on Friday, on February 21st, at approximately 5:12 p.m. members of the Passaic Police Department responded to the area of Eighth Street Passaic on a report of shots fired.
Police say the caller advised the police that two individuals were fleeing on foot. Upon arrival, officers observed three individuals matching the description given.
According to police, two additional suspects who fled on foot were detained. A black handgun was located on the river bank a few feet away from where the three individuals were stopped, in addition, a shell casing was recovered.
Based on the investigation, the 15-year-old juvenile was charged with the handgun. During the arrest, a knife and marijuana were also found. The other four induvial were charged with obstructing.
Police say the disposition exposure for the juvenile on Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, is three years care and custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission; on Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Knife it is one year care and custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission and on Fourth Degree Possession of a high capacity magazine it is one year care and custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission.
The juvenile complaint is docketed within the Superior Court Family Division. Juvenile proceedings under New Jersey law must remain confidential. Therefore, juveniles cannot be identified.
Juvenile complaints are merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juvenile is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.