Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Prospect Park Chief of Police William Rausch
announce that based upon an investigation by the Prospect Park Police Department, a 16-year-old
juvenile, was charged in connection with the July 23, 2026, shooting which occurred in the area of
Hopper Street and Fairview Avenue, Prospect Park, New Jersey. The juvenile is charged with acts of
juvenile delinquency that would constitute the crimes of Aggravated Assault, second degree; Unlawful
Possession of a Weapon, second degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second
degree, if the juvenile was an adult.
At approximately 3:29 p.m. on July 23, 2026, members of the Prospect Park Police Department were
dispatched to the area of Hopper Street and Fairview Avenue on a report of a shooting. Police located
a 20-year-old male victim from Paterson, New Jersey, suffering from a non-fatal gunshot wound. The
victim was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. Police
located a potential crime scene in the area. The subsequent investigation revealed a juvenile was
responsible for the shooting.
A juvenile delinquency complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the juveniles is
presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The matter has been
referred to the Passaic County Family Court, Juvenile Part, for further proceedings.
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.
