By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Passaic County announced that based upon an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department Shooting Investigation Unit, Samuel Sparks, 52, from Paterson, was arrested on April 22 in connection to the shooting that took place on April 15, in the area of Godwin Avenue and Carroll Street, Paterson.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said Mr. Sparks is charged with Attempted Murder, first-degree, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, second-degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second-degree, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, first-degree, and Certain Persons not to Possess a Weapon, second degree.
Officials stated that at approximately 10:46 p.m. on April 15, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of Godwin Avenue and Carroll Street in Paterson in response to a report of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, members of the Paterson Police Department were able to locate a potential crime scene, officials say.
According to officials, while on scene, officers were informed the victim, a 42-year-old male from Newark, arrived at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in a private vehicle for treatment of non-fatal gunshot wounds.
Officials said the subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Sparks was responsible for the shooting.
Authorities say on April 22, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Mr. Sparks surrendered himself to the Paterson Police Department.
The crime of Attempted Murder, first degree, has a sentencing range of 10 to 20 years in prison with a requirement to serve 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility, officials said.
Officials stated possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree, both have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison with 42 months to be served before parole eligibility.
The crime of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, first degree, has a sentencing range of 10 to 20 years in prison with 5fiveyears to be served before parole eligibility, officials say.
According to officials, the crime of Certain Person not to Possess a Weapon, second degree, has a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison with five years to be served before parole eligibility.
These investigations remain active and ongoing, officials stated, and more information will be released once it becomes available.