Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passaic Police Chief Luis A. Guzman announced that based upon an investigation by the Passaic Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Berks County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service, **Mr. Juan A. Robaina-Morfa, 24, from Passaic**, was arrested on Tuesday in Reading, Pennsylvania, in relation to a shooting investigation that took place June 18, in the area of Monroe Street Passaic.
Officials say Mr. Robaina-Morfa is charged with Attempted Murder, First Degree (2 counts); Conspiracy to Commit Murder, First Degree; Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree (2 counts); Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second Degree; Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Second Degree; Riot, Third Degree; and Resisting Arrest, Fourth Degree.
According to police, on June 18, members of the Passaic Police Department were dispatched to the area of Monroe Street on a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival the police located a 14-year-old male from Passaic, who sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound.
The victim was immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson for treatment of a non-fatal gunshot wound.
A second shooting victim had left the scene before the Police arrived. Based on the investigation, Mr. Robaina-Morfa was charged.
Mr. Robaina-Morfa is pending an extradition hearing in Berks County Pennsylvania.
The State intends to file a motion for pretrial detention in this matter that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge once Mr. Robaina-Morfa is extradited.
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 Passaic Police Department (973) 365-3900.