Angel Alberto
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Hawthorne Police Chief James W. Knepper
announce that based upon an investigation by the Hawthorne Police Department, Angel Alberto,
34 years old, from Hawthorne, was arrested on September 17, 2023, in connection with a shooting
incident that took place on September 16, 2023, in the area of Wagner Place and Midland Avenue,
Hawthorne, New Jersey. Mr. Alberto is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second
Degree, Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree, Aggravated Assault,
Second Degree, and Aggravated Assault, Fourth Degree.
At approximately 10:37 p.m. on September 16, 2023, members of the Hawthorne Police
Department were dispatched to the area of Wagner Place and Midland Avenue in Hawthorne, New
Jersey, in response to a report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located the victim, a 32-
year-old male Ridgefield resident who suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound. The victim was treated
on scene and did not require further medical attention.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Alberto was responsible for the shooting. Mr.
Alberto was arrested on September 17, 2023, after turning himself in to the Hawthorne Police
Department.
The sentencing exposure for Mr. Alberto on Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon is 5-10
years New Jersey State Prison of which 42 months must be served before parole eligibility subject to
the Graves Act; On Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose it is 5-10 years
New Jersey State Prison of which 42 months must be served before parole eligibility subject to the
Graves Act; on Second Degree Aggravated Assault it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison of which
85% must be served before parole eligibility subject to the New Early Release act; and on Fourth
Degree Aggravated Assault it is 18 months New Jersey State Prison of which 18 months must be served
before parole eligible subject to the Graves Act.
The State intends to file a motion for pretrial detention which will be heard by a Superior Court Judge.
Criminal complaints are merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, defendants are presumed
innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released once it becomes
available.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this
incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact
the Hawthorne Police Department at 973-427-1800.
