Paterson man had handgun, machete in vehicle on 10th Avenue, police say
By Jonathan Greene
Published: January 10, 2021
A man allegedly had a handgun and machete inside an improperly parked Chevy Impala on 10th Avenue, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Malik Colon, 30-year-old, of Paterson, was charged with seven weapons offenses and one drug charge.
Colon’s vehicle was parked improperly at 350 10th Avenue at around 9:44 p.m. on Saturday. Headlights and taillights of the vehicle were on while the windows were heavily tinted, making it difficult to see who was inside.
Colon and another man, a rear passenger, tried to exit the vehicle simultaneously when police approached.
Police said a third occupant, a juvenile, was in the vehicle.
Colon lowered the driver’s window of the vehicle, but refused to lower the passenger side window.
Detectives smelled marijuana odor emanating from the vehicle.
Colon’s vehicle had an expired temporary plate. He could not produce a driver’s license. He gave police identification that stated he worked as a counselor at School 19.
School officials on Monday said Colon never worked for the district.
Police ordered all three occupants out of the vehicle. Detectives observed a firearm in the glove box. A Taurus 40 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with seven bullets in the magazine and one in the chamber was seized. A large machete was found under the driver’s seat, police said.
Police released the juvenile and the other man.
Colon is being held at the Passaic County Jail.
Updated January 12 at 8:35 a.m.