By: Richard L. Smith
A Clifton man has been charged with murder in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred late on December 20, at the intersection of Lakeview Avenue and Merselis Avenue.
According to officials, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and Clifton Police Department conducted a joint investigation leading to the arrest of 67-year-old Angel Pacheco.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Clifton Police Chief Thomas Rinaldi announced that Pacheco faces charges including first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Authorities say Clifton police responded to the intersection at approximately 11:47 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers found Robert Rogers, a 51-year-old Elmwood Park resident, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Rogers was rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
During the investigation, detectives determined that Rogers had exited his vehicle and approached a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck stopped at a red light. An altercation ensued between Rogers and the driver, identified as Pacheco.
During the confrontation, Pacheco allegedly drew a firearm and shot Rogers.
Pacheco was taken into custody without incident following the shooting.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to gather more details surrounding the events that led to the deadly encounter.