Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Acting Clifton Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi annouce that based upon an investigation by the Clifton Police Department, Mr. Erik Aroche- Domingues, 25, from Clifton was arrested in relation to an shooting investigation that took place on April 20, 2020 in the area of Highland and Hope Avenue Clifton.
Police said Mr. Aroche-Domingues is charged with Second Degree; Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (2 counts), Second Degree; Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose (2 Counts); and Fourth degree; Possession of a High Capacity Magazine (2 counts).
According to police, on April 20, members of the Clifton Police Department responded to the area of Highland and Hope Avenue on a report of shots fired.
Upon arrival officers observed evidence of a crime scene, but no victim was located.
Police say based on review of surveillance cameras in the area an individual later identified as Erik Aroche-Domingues was observed firing a handgun into the air.
Police arrested Mr. Erik Aroche-Domingues today in the area of Cutler Street Clifton.
Police say at the time of his arrest, a handgun was recovered.
The sentencing exposure for Mr. Aroche-Domingues on each count of 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; on each count 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; and on each count of Fourth Degree Possession of a High Capacity Magazine it is up to 18 months New Jersey State Prison.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention in this matter that will be heard by Judge 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.