Man Charged In Connection With July’s Shooting In The City Of Passaic

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 6:15 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

PASSAIC, NJ.- On Wednesday, following a months-long investigation by Detectives of the Passaic Police Department and The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, a Passaic, New Jersey man was taken into custody and charged in connection with a shooting that occurred on July 11, 2024, on Main Avenue near Burgess Place in the City of Passaic.

     According to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, Dennis Garcia-Santos, from the City of Passaic, was formally charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault, second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second-degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons, and fourth-degree Criminal Mischief.

Charges Stem From An Investigation

     The charges stem from an incident that unfolded on July 11, 2024, when, just around 3:00 p.m., members of the Passaic Police Department responded to multiple 911 Emergency Calls reporting gunfire in the area of Main Avenue and Burgess Place in the City of Passaic.

     Upon arrival, Police Officers found evidence of a shooting crime scene and damage to property from gunfire. Police were unable to locate a shooting victim. The ensuing investigation determined that no one was struck by gunfire. Further investigation identified Garcia-Santos as the individual who opened fire and caused damage to private property. 

     Accordingly, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Garcia-Santos was located and taken into custody without incident. Following being processed on the charges, Garcia-Santos was placed into the custody of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office pending transfer to an area county jail, where he will remain pending future court proceedings in Passaic County Superior Court in Paterson, New Jersey.

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