Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passaic Police Chief Luis A. Guzman announced that based upon an investigation by the Passaic Police Department, Brandon Morales, 18, from Passaic, was arrested in relation to a shooting investigation that took place July 21st in the area of Passaic Street and 8th Street.
Police said Brandon Morales is charged with Aggravated Assault, Second Degree; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Second Degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Second Degree; and Criminal Mischief, Fourth Degree.
On July 21, 2022, at approximately 9:00 p.m., members of the Passaic Police Department responded to the area of Passaic Street and 8th Street on a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, police located a potential crime scene and a 19-year-old male Passaic resident who had sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound.
The victim was immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for treatment.
Based on the investigation, Brandon Morales was identified as the shooter and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On July 24, 2022, members of the Passaic Police Department arrested Brandon Morales in the area of Passaic Street and State Street.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention of Brandon Morales, which will be heard by the Honorable Joseph A. Portelli, J.S.C., on July 28, 2022.