Passaic County authorities announced that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Mr. Christopher Rodriguez-Mejia, 25, and Mr. Johnny Rodriguez, 33, both of Paterson, were arrested in connection to a shooting investigation that took place September 8, 2020, in the area of Paterson Avenue and Liberty Street in Paterson.
Police said Christopher Rodriguez-Mejia is charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, First Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second Degree, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree, and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Second Degree.
According to police Johnny Rodriguez is charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, First Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second Degree, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree, and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Second Degree.
Police said on September 8, 2020, at approximately 7:40 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department responded to the area of Paterson Avenue and Liberty Street after receiving a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, the responding officers located a 32-year-old male resident of Paterson who sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound. The victim was immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey for treatment. While on scene the Police were advised that a second victim had been transported to the hospital via private vehicle. Authorities said Paterson Police were notified that a 19-year-old male resident of Paterson had arrived at Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center seeking treatment of a non-fatal gunshot wound.
Based on the investigation, detectives identified Christopher Rodriguez-Mejia and Johnny Rodriguez as the actors and warrants were issued.
On September 11, 2020, members of the Paterson Police Department arrested Christopher Rodriguez-Mejia in the area of Dixon Avenue in Paterson.
On May 4, 2020, Paterson Police Detectives were notified by members of the Pequannock Police Department that they had arrested Johnny Rodriguez at approximately 1:49 p.m. in the area of Van Dyk Place and West Parkway in Pequannock during an unrelated motor vehicle stop. Members of the Paterson Police Department responded and transported Johnny Rodriguez to Paterson Police Headquarters where he was arrested on the open warrant.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention for Johnny Rodriguez 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.