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Shaheem Clark, 20, and Jakahri Smith, 22, were both arrested in connection with a March 2024 shooting near 20th Avenue and East 33rd Street, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray.
The shooting happened just after 2:15 a.m. on March 18, 2024. Officers arrived to find two men, ages 27 and 43, suffering from non-fatal gunshot wounds, police said. Both were rushed to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.
Detectives located a potential crime scene and launched an investigation that led to Clark’s arrest on August 8, 2024 in Elmwood Park, and Smith’s arrest on March 19, 2025 in Lynn, Massachusetts, by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Clark faces the following charges:
- Attempted murder (1st degree)
- Kidnapping (1st degree)
- Carjacking (1st degree)
- Unlawful possession of a weapon (2nd degree)
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (2nd degree)
- Possession of a large capacity magazine (4th degree)
- Possession of CDS (3rd degree)
- Intent to distribute CDS (3rd degree)
- Possession of weapon during CDS offense (2nd degree)
Smith is charged with:
- Attempted murder (1st degree)
- Kidnapping (1st degree)
- Carjacking (1st degree)
- Unlawful possession of a weapon (2nd degree)
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (2nd degree)
- Certain person not to possess a weapon (2nd degree)
Clark is currently detained following a pretrial detention hearing. Prosecutors have filed for pretrial detention for Smith, with a hearing date pending.
Authorities remind the public that criminal complaints are merely accusations. Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or call the Paterson Police Shooting Investigation Unit at 973-321-1342.
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