Paterson shooting suspect arrested in Lodi

Paterson

By: Jeff Sommes

According to a statement released by the Passaic County District Attorney's Office, Gabriel Mercado, 23, of Lodi, was arrested on June 27, 2024, in connection with a shooting that occurred on June 4, 2024, at 10th Avenue and East 23rd Street.

Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi announced that Mercado faces charges including attempted murder, unlawful possession of a handgun and endangering the welfare of a child.

The shooting left a 29-year-old Paterson man with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

The investigation, involving the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County District Attorney's Office, the New Jersey State Police and the ATF, identified Mercado as the suspect.

He was apprehended during a traffic stop, where Isaac Mejia, 23, of Paterson, was also arrested and charged with weapons and drug offenses.

Prosecutor Valdes said Mercado also faces charges related to an April 17, 2024, shooting in Paterson, in which he, Steven Batista, 20, of Massachusetts, and a 17-year-old Paterson juvenile were involved.

The charges include attempted murder and various weapons offenses.

The juvenile's case is being sent back to Passaic County Family Court for further proceedings.