Miguel de la Cruz
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi announce that based upon an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department Shooting Investigation Unit, Miguel de la Cruz 26 years-old, from Paterson New Jersey, was arrested on February 27, 2024, in connection to the shooting that took place on January 28, 2024, in the area of East Main Street and Hillman Avenue, Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. De le Cruz is charged with Attempted Murder, first degree, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, second degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, Aggravated Assault, second degree, and Aggravated Assault, third degree.
At approximately 12:45 a.m. on January 29, 2024, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of East Main Street and Hillman Street in Paterson, New Jersey on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, members of the Paterson Police Department located an 18- year-old male victim from Paterson, New Jersey, and a 30-year-old male victim, also from Paterson, New Jersey. Both were transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, for non-fatal gunshot wounds.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. de la Cruz was responsible for the shooting. On February 27, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m. Mr. de la Cruz 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. 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 Aggravated Assault, second degree, has a sentencing range of 5-10 years in prison with a requirement to serve 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility. The crime of Aggravated Assault, third degree, has a sentencing range of 3 to 5 years in prison.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention that will be heard by the Honorable Scott T. Rumana on March 4, 2024. Criminal complaints are merely accusations. Despite these accusations, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These investigations remain active and ongoing. More information will be released once it becomes available.
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 Paterson Police Shooting Investigation Unit at 973-321-1342.