By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating whether a shooting in Paterson late Thursday night is connected to the recovery of a stolen vehicle found submerged in the Passaic River a short time later.
At this time, RLS Metro Breaking News has confirmed that both incidents occurred. However, officials have not confirmed whether they are related.
The first incident unfolded around 10:50 p.m. in the 100 block of Ward Street in Paterson, where police responded after a resident reported discovering multiple bullet holes in the front of a home.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and authorities have not announced whether anyone was injured.
Roughly 15 minutes later, emergency responders were dispatched to the Passaic River near Riverview Drive in Totowa after receiving reports of a vehicle in the water beneath the Interstate 80 area.
Responding police and firefighters located the vehicle partially submerged in the river. Authorities determined the vehicle was unoccupied, and despite an extensive search of the surrounding area, no occupants were found.
Sources tell RLS Metro Breaking News investigators are examining whether the recovered vehicle may be connected to the earlier shooting.
However, that information has not been officially confirmed by law enforcement.
By early Friday morning, authorities confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen and was displaying fictitious license plates.
The vehicle was recovered from the river and turned over to investigators for processing as evidence.
Officials have not released additional information regarding possible suspects or whether anyone has been taken into custody.
RLS Metro Breaking News has reached out to the Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office for confirmation regarding any connection between the two incidents.
As of this publication, no official statement has been released.
The investigation remains active, and RLS Metro Breaking News will provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.