Police identify suspect in the shooting of 17-year-old Clifton girl
By Jayed Rahman
Published: June 1, 2015
City police have identified a 25-year-old man who is allegedly responsible for the Saturday morning shooting of a 17-year-old Clifton girl on Park Avenue.
The suspect Luis Polanco has been charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses, said police director Jerry Speziale.
Ceasefire Unit detectives Taylor and Christopher Ravallese identified Polanco as the suspect of the shooting that took place at about 2:05 a.m. on Saturday on Park Avenue between Carroll Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard.
Police responded to the area, but were not able to locate a shooting victim. Few minutes later, police received report of a gunshot victim on Market Street and Madison Avenue. Police found the wounded victim seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle.
The teenager was struck in the upper back, according to police. She was transported to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for treatment. She was initially in critical, but stable condition. Her status has since been changed to stable, according to police.
“As the community and city collaborate to reduce violence the detectives of the cease fire unit continue in the relentless pursuit of justice,” said Speziale. He said city police will seek out Polanco wherever he may be, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries or state lines.
Anyone with information on Polanco’s whereabouts is being asked to contact police at 973-321-1342. Information can also be submitted anonymously via smartphone by downloading the “City connect” application by Public Engines or Tipsoft. Information may also be submitted through PatersonPD.com by clicking submit a tip.