Rafael A. Cabrera Perea
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge
Isa Abbassi announce that based upon an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office
and the Paterson Police Department Shooting Investigation Unit, Rafael A. Cabrera Perea, 22
years-old, from Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested on September 9, 2024, in connection to the
shooting that took place on June 17, 2024, in the area of Prospect Street and Ellison Street,
Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Cabrera Perea is charged with Attempted Murder, first degree, Unlawful
Possession of Weapon, second degree, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose,
second degree.
At approximately 2:41 a.m. on June 17, 2024, members of the Paterson Police Department were
dispatched to the area of Prospect Street and Ellison Street on a report of a shooting. While on
scene Paterson Police were notified that a 26-year-old male victim from Kearny arrived via private
vehicle to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment of non-fatal gunshot wounds.
Members of the Paterson Police Department were able to locate a potential crime scene.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Cabrera Perea was responsible for the shooting.
On September 9, 2024, at approximately 1:47 a.m., Mr. Cabrera Perea was arrested by the Paterson
Police Department, without incident in the area of 21st Avenue and Summer Street, Paterson, New
Jersey.
The crime of Attempted Murder, first degree, has a sentencing range of 10 to 20 years in prison
with a requirement to serve 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility. The crime of Possession
of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon,
second degree, both have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison with 42 months to be served
before parole eligibility.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention that will be scheduled before a Superior Court
Judge. Criminal complaints are merely accusations. Despite these accusations, defendants are
presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These investigations remain 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 Paterson Police Shooting Investigation Unit at 973-321-1342.
