Teen Charged With Shooting 2 Teens Friday Night At Passaic County Technical Institute

Saturday, August 31, 2024, 11:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WAYNE, NJ.- Passaic County authorities are continuing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding a shooting that left two teens hospitalized after a 16-year-old juvenile opened fire last night following a football game at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, New Jersey.

     According to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, following the shooting, a 16-year-old juvenile was taken into custody and charged with acts of Juvenile Delinquency for the crimes of first-degree Attempted Murder; second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon; and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. 

     The charges stem from an investigation that unfolded on Friday, August 30, 2024, when shortly after 7:30 p.m., gunfire erupted following a football game at the Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, New Jersey. Members of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office were already at the school when the shooting occurred.

Two Teens Struck By Gunfire

     Following the gunfire, Sheriff’s Officers located a 15-year-old juvenile and a 16-year-old juvenile, both having sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. The two teen victims were immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for treatment. The extent of their injuries and condition was not released due to their age.

     During the initial investigation, Sheriff’s Officers and Police Officers from the Wayne Police Department found evidence of a shooting crime scene in the area where the two teen victims were found. Detectives during the ensuing investigation were able to identify the suspect and placed the 16-year-old juvenile into custody.

Charges Filed Family Court

     After being taken into custody, the teen was processed on the charges, and the case was referred to the Passaic County Family Court, Juvenile Part, for further proceedings. The Prosecutor’s Office did not report whether the juvenile was placed into the custody of the Juvenile Detention Center or released to a parent or guardian.

     Anyone with additional information regarding this shooting is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: just as in adult criminal cases, the charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and a juvenile defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”