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Two Wounded In Drive-By Shooting At Paterson's Cherished Eastside Park

One victim was struck in the head and another in the neck Monday night in a drive-by shooting that was believed to be the first outbreak of gunfire at Paterson's bucolic Eastside Park in more than a decade, responders said.

Paterson police

Paterson police

Photo Credit: Paterson PD Ceasefire Unit

The two victims -- both 18 years old -- remained in critical condition Tuesday at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora said in a joint announcement.

Both were taken there via private vehicle following the Silk City's 44th shooting of the year shortly before 7:30 p.m. Monday, they said.

Eastside Park had long been known for its hilltop view of the sunset, as well as its baseball fields, outdoor skating rink, tennis courts, a gazebo, rose garden and more. It drew people for decades to a neighborhood of stately Victorian homes.

More recently, the park has become a magnet for large groups of partying locals, as well as drug dealers serving out of town buyers.

Responders said Monday night's shooting occurred near the park's lower fields.

Mayor Andre Sayegh held a news conference there on Thursday, promising law enforcement measures that "will be taken to protect the surrounding community" -- among them, "vigilant patrols" and a pronounced presence of street crimes units.

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