Paterson man charged with attempted murder in 20th Avenue shooting
By Jonathan Greene
Published: June 15, 2021
A city man has been arrested for allegedly shooting a man and firing shots at three others late Monday night, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Lemel Cooks, 34, of Paterson, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, four counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a handgun, certain persons not to have weapons, eluding, and criminal mischief.
On June 14 at around 9:50 p.m., police patrolling the area of 20th Avenue and Chestnut Street heard gunfire nearby. They responded to the location of the gunfire and found a 59-year-old Paterson man suffering from a non-fatal gunshot wound. He was taken to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.
Police determined Cooks fired the shots and wounded the victim. He also fired at a 43-year-old Paterson man, but that victim was not struck. After shooting at the two people, Cooks approached a vehicle nearby that was occupied by a 32-year-old Paterson woman and a 23-year-old Ridgewood woman, and fired shots at the vehicle. Neither of the occupants were struck, authorities said.
Police determined a green Honda minivan was involved in the initial shooting. They quickly found the vehicle and tried to pull it over. Lemel led them on a brief vehicle chase. He eventually pulled over on Straight and Morton streets. Police placed him under arrest.
Cooks could face decades behind bars if convicted on the charges.