Two city men were arrested early Wednesday morning following a shooting on North 1st and Haledon Avenues, according to the Paterson Police Department.

Vanif Gossett, 20, and Tristan Colquhoun, 20, were apprehended following a car chase through the First Ward, police said.

When the shooting unfolded police were nearby investigating an armed shooter in the area. Officers heard sound of gunfire in the direction of Haledon Avenue and responded. “As patrol units arrived, bystanders indicated that a Mercury station wagon which was leaving the area was involved,” stated Patrick Murray, head of the Ceasefire Unit.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle from leaving the scene, but the vehicle sped out of the area with police vehicles in pursuit, police said.

“As the vehicle travelled on Arch Street between North Main and North 1st Streets, pursuing officers observed a handgun being thrown from the vehicle,” Murray said. “Officers secured the weapon in front of an Arch Street residence, while additional officers attempted to apprehend the vehicle’s occupants.”

On Circle Avenue near Temple Street, Gossett, the driver, and Colquhoun, the passenger, abandoned the vehicle and began to flee on foot. Officers Caamano and Silva along with several assisting officers chased down Gossett and Colquhoun and brought them into custody, police said.

A third suspect who was inside the vehicle escaped on foot eluding police. Following the arrest, police found Colquhoun was suffering from a gunshot wound to the knee. Colquhoun was rushed to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for treatment. Gossett is being held in police lock up pending court hearing.

Both have been charged with illegal possession of a firearm and eluding arrest, police said. Police are looking for the third suspect who successfully fled.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Francisco Brito or Detective Aramis Alba of the Ceasefire Unit at 973-321-1342.

Correction: The initial article stated “guns” when there was only one weapon recovered [J].