Paterson

State Grand Jury Decides on Paterson Police Shooting Incident

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State grand jury decides on paterson police shooting incident - photo licensed by shore news network.

State Grand Jury Decides on Paterson Police Shooting Incident

**Trenton, NJ** – A state grand jury concluded its deliberations with a decision not to file criminal charges against Paterson Police Officers Anzore Tsay and Jose Hernandez following the police-involved shooting of Najee Seabrooks on March 3, 2023. This decision came after a thorough investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) which presented extensive evidence, including video footage, ballistics reports, and witness testimony.

The investigation revealed that officers responded to a distress call early on March 3, 2023, and encountered Seabrooks behaving erratically in a Paterson apartment. Despite efforts from negotiators and the Emergency Response Team, the situation escalated when Seabrooks, armed with knives, set a fire and threw objects at officers. Officers Tsay and Hernandez discharged their weapons after Seabrooks exited a bathroom with at least one knife, leading to his death.

In response to incidents like this, Attorney General Platkin took steps to transform the Paterson Police Department in 2023 by appointing new leadership and introducing department reforms. These initiatives aimed to rebuild trust and improve community policing, supported by various

State Grand Jury Declines Charges in Paterson Police Custody Death

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State grand jury declines charges in paterson police custody death - photo licensed by shore news network.

State Grand Jury Declines Charges in Paterson Custody Death

**TRENTON, NJ** — A state grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges following the death of Rosita Diaz, 57, in Paterson Police Department custody on February 18, 2022. The case was presented to the grand jury by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) in line with the 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive.

The investigation conducted by OPIA involved witness interviews, a review of body-worn camera and surveillance footage, and examination of medical records, autopsy, and toxicology results. The grand jury reviewed this evidence and concluded deliberations on Monday, choosing not to file charges against any officers involved.

Ms. Diaz was arrested on February 17, 2022, for alleged narcotics possession and was taken to a hospital multiple times before being found unresponsive in a police holding cell. At approximately 5:55 p.m. on February 18, 2022, she was discovered, and after EMS was called, she was pronounced dead at 6:16 p.m. Toxicology revealed the presence of fentanyl, para-flouro-fentanyl, and cocaine in her system. Her

Arrest Made in Connection with Series of Robberies in Paterson

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Prison-jail-cell

**Arrest Made in Connection with Series of Robberies in Paterson**

**Paterson, NJ -** The Paterson Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect linked to six robberies occurring in one day. Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi coordinated the operation, involving the Major Crimes Unit and Patrol Division.

On October 6, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., six robberies took place on Summer Street, 22nd Avenue, Main Street, Paterson Avenue, and McBride Avenue. The suspect reportedly wielded a semi-automatic handgun, demanding cash and sneakers from the victims.

Around 1:48 p.m., Totowa Police Department informed Paterson officers about a vehicle matching the suspect’s description. The suspect, identified as Justin Rodriguez, 25, was apprehended after attempting to flee and assaulting an officer. A search revealed a semi-automatic handgun and a 50-round drum magazine.

Rodriguez faces multiple charges, including six counts of robbery, weapon possession offenses, and assault on a law enforcement officer. He awaits prosecution by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, with charges presuming innocence until proven guilty.

Paterson Police Department Welcomes 15 New Officers

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Paterson police dept. Cruiser - stock photo by paterson pd

Paterson Police Department Welcomes 15 New Officers

**LODI, N.J.**—Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi and other officials from the Paterson Police Department celebrated the addition of 15 new officers on Wednesday. The officers graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy at Felician University’s Lodi Campus, bringing Paterson’s police force to over 400 members.

The newly sworn-in officers joined the department as part of the PPD NextGen strategy, which aims to enhance policing with a focus on constitutional rights and community service. Officer in Charge Abbassi expressed gratitude to the Bergen County Police Academy for their continued collaboration and support in training the officers.

Over a 23-week program, the recruits were trained in various areas, including criminal law, use of force, and first aid. They also completed the Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) course, which trains officers to manage critical incidents with minimal force.

The new officers reflect Paterson’s diversity and language capabilities, which will aid community relations. Their initial assignments will involve engaging with the Paterson community to foster better relationships between police and residents.

Paterson Police Crack Down on Illegal Dumping

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Paterson police crack down on illegal dumping - photo licensed by shore news network.

Paterson Police Crack Down on Illegal Dumping

**Paterson, NJ** – The Paterson Police Department, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, is actively enforcing measures against illegal dumping as part of “Operation Clean Sweep.” Efforts are being concentrated on addressing the issue of household garbage and commercial refuse being improperly discarded on city streets.

Authorities have emphasized that individuals caught dumping waste will receive citations and incur significant fines. The operation aims to mitigate the impact of such activities, which disregard city regulations.

The police department highlighted the ongoing enforcement initiative through a social media post with images, underscoring the consequences of illegal dumping. Community awareness is being promoted through the hashtag #PPDNextGen.

For further updates and visuals, interested parties can visit the Paterson Police Department’s official social media page.