The Paterson Police Department arrested two individuals and recovered an illegal handgun following a foot pursuit and motor vehicle stop in the area of Temple Street and Matlock Street.
On April 30, 2026, at approximately 10:17 p.m., officers assigned to patrol observed two individuals wearing dark clothing and ski masks walking in the roadway and allegedly obstructing traffic near Matlock Street and Temple Street. As officers exited their vehicle to investigate further, a foot pursuit ensued, during which one individual, later identified as Ricardo Vega, 20, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, allegedly discarded a handgun. Vega then attempted to enter a waiting vehicle, but was prevented by pursuing officers and taken into custody. The discarded handgun was also recovered by assisting officers.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Gilbert Rojas Rojas, 18, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, drove off, allegedly nearly striking an officer. Additional officers located and stopped the vehicle a short distance away. Rojas Rojas was taken into custody without further incident.
Vega is charged with second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun. Second-degree crimes in New Jersey are punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison. He is also charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of the administration of law.
Rojas Rojas is charged with second-degree aggravated assault, which is punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison, as well as possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
“This is exactly the type of proactive police work that removes illegal firearms from our streets,” said Officer in Charge Murray. “These charges, including second-degree offenses, reflect the seriousness of this incident. Our officers recognized the threat, acted decisively, and took two individuals into custody before anyone was seriously injured. We will continue to stay focused on enforcement and accountability.”
The charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being prosecuted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
