 Shaheem Clark |
 Jakahri Smith |
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, Shaheem Clark, 20 years-old, from Paterson, New Jersey, and Jakahri Smith, 22 years-old, from Paterson, New Jersey were arrested in regard to this investigation. Mr. Clark was arrested on August 8, 2024, and Mr. Smith was arrested on March 19, 2025, in connection to the shooting that took place on March 18, 2024, in the area of 20th Avenue and East 33rd Street, Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Clark is charged with Attempted Murder, first degree, Kidnapping, first degree; Carjacking, first degree, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, second degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, Possession of High Capacity Magazine, fourth degree, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances, third degree, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Weapon while Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense, second degree. Mr. Smith is charged with Attempted Murder, first degree, Kidnapping, first degree; Carjacking, 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 2:17 a.m. on March 18, 2024, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of 20th Avenue and East 33rd Street in Paterson, New Jersey on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival members of the Paterson Police Department located two victims, a 27- year-old male Paterson resident and a 43-year-old male Paterson resident. Both victims were transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey for treatment for non-fatal gunshot wounds. Police were able to locate a potential crime scene.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Clark and Mr. Smith were responsible for the shooting. On August 8, 2024, Mr. Clark was arrested by the Paterson Police Department, without incident in the area of Mola Boulevard and 16th Avenue in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. On March 19, 2025, Mr. Smith was arrested by the United States Marshals Service without incident in the area of Walnut Street and Sterling Street Lynn, Massachusetts.
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 First Degree Kidnapping it is 25 years to life before parole eligibility in New Jersey State Prison; on First Degree Carjacking it is 10 to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison; 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; on Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon it is 5- 10 years New Jersey State Prison with 5 years to be served before eligibility; on Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine it is up to 18 months New Jersey State Prison; on Third Degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substances it is 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison; on Third Degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substances it is 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison; and Second Degree Possession of a Weapon While Committing Certain Controlled Dangerous Substance Offenses it is 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The State filed a motion for pretrial detention against Mr. Clark and was ordered detained by a Superior Court Judge. The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention against Mr. Smith which 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.