Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of Talek T. Lawson, 23, of Englewood, on charges of Murder, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose; and the arrest of Justin Dula, 20, of Englewood, on a charge of Aggravated Assault.
According to authorities, on Dec. 12th, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a shooting had occurred on Leonia Avenue, in the area of Buddy’s Place bar, in Bogota.
Responding officers and EMS treated Dakota Johnson, who had been injured by gunfire. Johnson was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation revealed that, during a fight among numerous individuals, Dula assaulted one individual in an attempt to cause serious bodily injury. During the incident, Lawson fired a handgun, striking and killing Johnson.
As a result of the investigation, police arrested and charged Lawson with one count of Murder, Unlawful Possession Of A Weapon and Possession Of A Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose.
In addition, police arrested and charged Dula with one count of Aggravated Assault.
Officials say Lawson and Dula were remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.