Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Rudy Mena, 25, from Paterson, was arrested Tuesday in relation to a shooting investigation that took place in the area of Park Avenue and Carroll Street Paterson on Monday.
The shooting was initially reported as occurring in the area of Broadway and East 26th Street Paterson.
Police charged Mr. Mena with Attempted Murder, First Degree; Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second Degree; and Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree.
Police say members of the Paterson Police Department were advised that a 21-year- old male Paterson resident arrived at St Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson for treatment of a non-fatal gunshot wound.
Based on the investigation, officials say it was determined the shooting occurred in the area of Park Avenue and Carroll Street.
Mr. Mena was arrested in the area of Main Street Paterson based on the police investigation.
The sentencing exposure for Mr. Mena on First Degree Attempted Murder is 10-20 years New Jersey State Prison with 85% of the term to be served before parole pursuant to the No Early Release Act and 5 years parole supervision; on Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 42 months before parole eligibility pursuant to the Graves Act; and on Second Degree Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with 42 months of parole ineligibility pursuant to the Graves Act.
The State intends to file a motion for pretrial detention for Mr. Mena that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Department at 973-321-1120.