Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces that on July 4, 2019, in accordance with Attorney General Directives, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Shooting Response Team was activated due to an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the area of Fulton Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard in the City of Paterson at approximately 6:40 p.m.
Officials say no injuries have been reported.
Officials say Mr. Kevin Gallashawj, 20, of Paterson has been charged by Warrant-Complaint with several charges related to the incident: two counts of first degree Attempted Murder, two counts of second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, one count of second degree Eluding, and one count of second degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to have the defendant detained pretrial.
Officials say the defendant’s first appearance and a hearing on the pretrial detention motion are scheduled before Assignment Judge Ernest Caposela on Wednesday, July 10, at 10 a.m.
A first degree charge carries a maximum term of twenty (20) years in New Jersey State Prison.
A second degree charge carries a maximum term of ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation in this matter, including the use of force by police, remains active and ongoing. At this time, further information will not be released so as not to jeopardize the investigation in progress.