Authorities identify three sheriff’s officers involved in fatal shooting of Paterson man
By Jonathan Greene
Published: June 19, 2020
Authorities released video, audio recordings, and the names of the three Passaic County sheriff’s officers involved in the fatal May 23 shooting of a man on Friday afternoon.
36-year-old Christopher Clark of Paterson is seen walking in the middle of Summer Street towards 16th Avenue in one video. He is seen running with a sheriff’s officer behind him just before the fatal incident on 16th Avenue between Straight Street and Summer Street at around 1:16 a.m.
None of the four videos released capture the shooting of Clark. Additionally, authorities released six audio files, mostly phone calls and dispatch transmissions.
Authorities identified the three officers as sergeants Americo Escobar, Helman Fava, and Jose Vargas of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office.
The three officers responded to report of shots fired on Park Avenue at around 1:10 a.m. When they arrived at the scene, they observed Clark on Summer Street. As officers approached, Clark ran and the officers chased him onto 16th Avenue, authorities said.
During the encounter, the three officers fired at Clark, killing him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Clark had in possession a .45-caliber pistol, authorities said. The firearm was recovered by authorities.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
The released video and audio files can be found here.