By: Jeff Sommes
According to a statement released by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, Gabriel Mercado, 23, from Lodi, was arrested on June 27, 2024, in connection to a shooting that occurred on June 4, 2024, at 10th Avenue and East 23rd Street.
Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi announced that Mercado faces charges including Attempted Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The shooting left a 29-year-old Paterson man with non-fatal gunshot wounds.
The investigation, involving the Paterson Police Department, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, and ATF, identified Mercado as the suspect.
He was apprehended during a motor vehicle stop, where Isaac Mejia, 23, from Paterson, was also arrested and charged with weapon and drug offenses.
Prosecutor Valdes said Mercado also faces charges from an April 17, 2024, shooting incident in Paterson, where he, along with Steven Batista, 20, from Massachusetts, and a 17-year-old Paterson juvenile, were implicated.
Charges include Attempted Murder and various weapons offenses.
The juvenile’s case is referred to the Passaic County Family Court for further proceedings.
