2021 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2021

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Information Bureau (609) 882-2000
Lt. Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
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Tpr. Charles Marchan - ext. 6513


State Police and Partners Arrest 18 Fugitives, Including Individuals Wanted for Violent Crimes in Paterson

Detectives Seize Drugs, Weapons, and Ammunition

Paterson, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Paterson Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and the New Jersey Department of Corrections conducted a 3-day mobile deployment initiative in the Passaic County area that resulted in the arrest of 18 fugitives and the seizure of drugs, guns, and ammunition.

Detectives from the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Gangs and Organized Crime North Unit, and K-9 Unit along with members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, Passaic County Sheriff's Office, Paterson Police Department Fugitive Unit and Ceasefire Unit, and the New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Operations Group targeted violent criminals who had warrants for their arrest and were believed to be involved in criminal activity within the city of Paterson.  The targets for the operation were identified through various investigative means including street-level intelligence, patrol advisories, and information provided by the New Jersey State Police Real Time Crime Center North Unit.

From Wednesday, February 10 to Friday, February 12, a total of 18 fugitives wanted by state, county, and local law enforcement agencies were apprehended in Passaic County. The accused were wanted for various crimes including attempted homicide, aggravated assault, armed robbery, theft, burglary, and various weapons and drug-related offenses. All suspects were remanded to the appropriate authorities, lodged at the Passaic County Jail, or lodged at the Essex County Youth Dentition Facility.

The following was seized as a result of the operation:

  • .40 caliber ghost gun – A ghost gun is a firearm that is assembled from various parts that are not imprinted with a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace.
  • .380 caliber handgun
  • 9mm handgun (reported stolen out of South Carolina)
  • Hollow point ammunition
  • Scoped crossbow with various bolts and arrows
  • 40 grams of cocaine
  • 700 grams of heroin
  • Paraphernalia consistent with the packaging and preparation of drugs

“We’re committed to using every tool to fight violent crime in New Jersey, and our efforts have continued in full force despite the COVID pandemic,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “In the Paterson area alone, we have conducted more than half a dozen major collaborative operations over the past year targeting illegal weapons traffickers, drug dealers, and gang members, all of whom are fueling gun violence and drug addiction. This sweep and arrest of dangerous fugitives is another great example of the type of law enforcement collaboration that exists in New Jersey and is essential to making our communities safer.”

“This multi-agency initiative resulted in the apprehension of dangerous fugitives responsible for violent crimes within the city of Paterson and represents a significant step towards reducing violence in the city and its surrounding areas,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “Our mobile deployment initiatives have been successful in making communities safer across our State, and this operation once again reinforces the message that we are working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to target and arrest violent crime offenders who attempt to hide from justice.”

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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