Vincent Santiago

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A Paterson man has been arrested and charged in connection with two shootings that happened less than two weeks apart in the same neighborhood, authorities said.

Vincent Santiago, 20, of Paterson, was arrested on Monday, Oct. 27, in connection with shootings that occurred on Oct. 11 and Oct. 23 in the area of Arch Street and North 1st Street, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray.

At approximately 12:22 p.m. on Oct. 11, officers from the Paterson Police Department responded to the intersection on a report of gunfire and located a potential crime scene, Valdes said. No one was struck by gunfire.

At approximately 10:46 p.m. on Oc. 23, officers responded to the same area for another shooting, Valdes said. A 20-year-old male victim from Paterson was found suffering from a non-fatal gunshot wound and was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment, authorities said.

The investigation by the Paterson Police Shooting Investigation Unit determined that Santiago was responsible for both incidents, Valdes said. He was arrested near Haledon Avenue and North 1st Street in Paterson.

Santiago is charged in both cases with Aggravated Assault (second degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (second degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (second degree), Aggravated Assault by Pointing a Firearm (fourth degree), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (third degree).

He also faces additional charges of Receiving Stolen Property (third degree), prosecutors said.

Santiago was ordered detained following a hearing on October 31, Valdes said.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison on the most serious charges.

Authorities said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-877-370-PCPO or the Paterson Police Shooting Investigation Unit at 973-321-1342.