Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Clifton Police Chief Mark P. Centurione announce that based upon an investigation by the Clifton Police Department, in conjunction with the Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Mr. Michael Rodriguez, 21 years old from Paterson, was arrested on Wednesday in relation to an investigation into a shooting that took place The same day in the area of 44 Macdonald Street in Clifton.
Police say that Mr. Rodriguez is charged with Attempted Murder, First Degree, Armed Robbery, First Degree, Burglary, Second Degree, Aggravated Assault, Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Second Degree and Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree.
According to police, on May 29, members of the Clifton Police Department responded to a residence located in the area of 44 MacDonald Street, Clifton, NJ on a report of shots fired.
Units arrived at the scene found an 18-year-old Clifton resident who had sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.
Medical professionals immediately transported the victim to Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson for treatment.
Based on the investigation, Mr. Rodriguez was identified as the shooter but was not on the scene.
Police say Mr. Rodriguez is currently in custody.
According to police the State intends to file a motion for pretrial detention in this matter prior to the Defendant’s CJP hearing tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 4, 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.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Clifton Police Department at 973-470-5900.