By: Richard L. Smith
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-in-Charge Patrick Murray announced the arrests of two city residents in connection with a shooting that left a man injured earlier this week.
Investigators say 39-year-old Hasan Whitaker and 26-year-old Dnashia Franco, both of Paterson, were taken into custody on August 26 and August 27 following a probe by the Paterson Police Shooting Investigation Unit.
The arrests stem from a shooting that occurred around 5:49 a.m. on August 24 near Putnam Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard, where a 37-year-old man was found with non-fatal gunshot wounds.
The victim was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities charged Whitaker with multiple counts, including aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and drug possession.
Franco faces charges including attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and possession of hollow-point ammunition.
Both suspects were arrested without incident in separate locations near Rosa Parks Boulevard, according to officials.
The investigation is ongoing.