A fatal shooting late Friday night in Clifton resulted in the death of 51-year-old Robert Rogers, an Elmwood Park resident, following a street altercation. The incident occurred just before midnight on December 20 near the intersection of Lakeview and Merselis Avenues. Police have since arrested a 67-year-old Clifton resident, Angel Pacheco, in connection with the killing.
According to police reports, the confrontation began when Rogers approached a gray Ford F-150 pickup truck stopped at a red light. Rogers exited his vehicle and engaged in a confrontation with the truck’s driver, later identified as Pacheco. During the altercation, Pacheco allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Rogers in the chest. Authorities were alerted to the incident at 11:47 p.m. through emergency calls reporting the shooting.
Rogers was quickly transported to Saint Joseph Hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to his injuries. Following the incident, Clifton police arrested Pacheco without incident. Pacheco now faces multiple serious charges, including murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The weapon possession charges are classified as second-degree crimes, while the murder charge is a first-degree crime.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, handling the case, has confirmed that a motion for pre-trial detention will be filed against Pacheco. The Superior Court will determine the specifics of his detention hearing. In the meantime, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continues. Investigators have not yet disclosed additional details but are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Clifton police and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office are working together to gather more information. They have established a tip line for the public to report any relevant details regarding the case. Authorities are keen to understand more about the altercation and whether any additional factors contributed to the deadly outcome.
The shooting has deeply shocked the local community, and further information is expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The death of Robert Rogers underscores the risks associated with street confrontations, especially when firearms are involved. Law enforcement officials continue to remind the public about the dangers of engaging in violent disputes, particularly in public spaces where emotions can rapidly escalate into tragedy.
As the investigation proceeds, concerns about street violence and firearm accessibility have been raised. Authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served while also taking preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. The community remains deeply affected by the tragic loss of Robert Rogers, and many await further updates as the case unfolds.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses information that could assist in the investigation to contact them. Tips can be submitted via their confidential tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO or through email at tips@passaiccountynj.org. This appeal for information comes as authorities work to piece together the details of the confrontation and determine what led to the fatal outcome.
