Passaic County officials announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Dashawn A. Rhoden, 22, of Paterson, was arrested on December 30, 2021, in relation to the homicide that took place on July 3, 2021, at 159 Franklin Street in Paterson.
Mr. Rhoden is charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun.
According to county officials, at approximately 10:02 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to 159 Franklin Street in Paterson in response to a report of shots fired.
Officials said that upon their arrival, officers located Juan Garcia, 28-years-old from Paterson, lying on the sidewalk with apparent gunshot wounds.
According to officials, Paterson Police Officers immediately began providing medical attention to the victim and requested an ambulance.
Upon the arrival of medical personnel, Mr. Garcia succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Rhoden, along with Jeremiah Rosado and Imeir Tucker, were the individuals responsible for the murder of Mr. Garcia.
Rhoden was charged with murder and the weapons offenses while a fugitive, and he was arrested without incident on the outstanding arrest warrant on Thursday, December 30, 2021, during a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 West by the Elmwood Park Police Department, at approximately 3:58 p.m.
Officials said that Mr. Rosado was previously arrested on July 8, 2021, by the Paterson Police Department, and Mr. Tucker was previously arrested on July 6, 2021, by the Paterson Police Department.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released once it becomes available.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact them on their tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.