Dandre Jacobus
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department Shooting Investigation Unit, Dandre Jacobus, 27 years-old, from Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested on January 23, 2025, in connection to the shooting that took place on December 29, 2024, in the area of Highland Street and Park Place, Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Jacobus is charged with Attempted Murder, first degree, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, second degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, and Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, second degree.
At approximately 1:09 p.m. on December 29, 2024, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of Highland Street and Park Place on a report of a shooting. Police located a 28-year-old male victim from Paterson, N.J. The victim was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment for non-fatal gunshot wounds. Police were able to locate a potential crime scene in the area.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Jacobus was responsible for the shooting. On January 23, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Mr. Jacobus was arrested by the New Jersey State Police, Fugitive Task Force, without incident in the area of Liberty Street and Route 46 in South Hackensack, New Jersey.
The sentencing exposure on First Degree Attempted Murder is 10-20 years New Jersey State Prison with 85% of that term to be served before parole eligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act, five years parole supervision thereafter; on Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with 42 months to be served before parole eligibility; on Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with 42 months to be served before parole eligibility; and on Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with 5 years to be served before parole eligibility.
The State will file a motion for pretrial detention against Mr. Jacobus 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.