Driver Shot by Jitney Bus Passenger in Paterson, New Jersey
Law enforcement is investigating a recent shooting on a Paterson bus that left the bus driver with significant physical injuries. The incident occurred at around 8:45 p.m. near the intersection of Main Street and Broadway in Paterson, New Jersey. The driver, a 43-year-old Clifton man, was operating a private jitney bus when a passenger approached him and tried to commit a robbery. At the time of the theft incident, the culprit was the only passenger still on board the bus.
According to authorities, the suspect was armed with a handgun and threatened to shoot the driver unless he handed over cash. The altercation turned violent and the suspect reportedly fired the weapon at the bus driver. The victim was later found by Paterson police officers near the site of the shooting. The Paterson Police Department dispatched cops to the area after receiving a report of gunshots being fired. After being located by police, the victim was rushed to nearby Saint Joseph s Regional Medical Center so that he could receive medical treatment for his shooting-related injuries, which included a gunshot wound to the stomach. There was no immediate update on the victim s condition, but he was expected to survive.
Paterson Police Investigate Bus Shooting
The Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor s Office are working together on a joint investigation into the armed robbery and shooting. Paterson detectives spoke to the driver and to a witness who said that he saw the suspect exit the bus and then attempt to hold up the driver at gunpoint.
Detectives have not yet been able to determine the identity of the shooter. Depending on the findings of investigators, it is possible that the culprit could face numerous criminal charges in connection with the violent crime: armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. All of those crimes are classified as felonies and carry severe penalties that include significant prison time. For instance, N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 of the New Jersey Criminal Code classifies robbery as a first degree felony when the offender uses a deadly weapon, threatens the use of force, or poses an immediate threat of bodily injury. A conviction for first degree robbery charges could lead to a sentence of 10-20 years behind bars in NJ State Prison.
Free Consultation with an Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer in Paterson, NJ
Alissa Hascup is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the nuances of criminal law in New Jersey and who knows how to defend clients against felony charges in Passaic County Superior Court. If you have been accused of a violent crime or a weapons offense in Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, or anywhere else in Passaic County, NJ, Attorney Hascup can help you fight the charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
