Rafael A. Cabrera Perea
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, Rafael A. Cabrera Perea, 22 years-old, from Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested on September 9, 2024, in connection to the shooting that took place on June 17, 2024, in the area of Prospect Street and Ellison Street, Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Cabrera Perea is charged with Attempted Murder, first degree, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, second degree, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree.
At approximately 2:41 a.m. on June 17, 2024, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of Prospect Street and Ellison Street on a report of a shooting. While on scene Paterson Police were notified that a 26-year-old male victim from Kearny arrived via private vehicle to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment of non-fatal gunshot wounds. Members of the Paterson Police Department were able to locate a potential crime scene.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Cabrera Perea was responsible for the shooting. On September 9, 2024, at approximately 1:47 a.m., Mr. Cabrera Perea was arrested by the Paterson Police Department, without incident in the area of 21st Avenue and Summer Street, Paterson, New Jersey.
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. The crime of 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 State has filed a motion for pretrial detention that will be scheduled before a Superior Court Judge. 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.