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PASSAIC CITY

Passaic man charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting at off-duty cop

Anthony Zurita
NorthJersey

A Passaic man was charged with attempted murder after shooting at a car being driven by an off-duty police officer and fleeing the scene, authorities said.

Joe A. Vega, 24, was arrested Monday after shooting at the off-duty Passaic police officer in his car near Monroe Street in the city, according to a statement from the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. The statement did not say whether Vega knew that a police officer was in the car. 

Vega then fled the scene before crashing into another vehicle containing a 35-year-old woman from Union City and a 36-year-old North Bergen woman, who were injured in the crash, the statement said. Vega was then apprehended near Sherman Street, according to the statement. 

Vega's charges include first-degree attempted murder and possession of "Dum-Dum" bullets, which expand upon impact, meant to cause a larger wound. 

Joe A. Vega, 24, of Passaic was charged with attempted murder after shooting at an off-duty Passaic police officer, authorities said.

Anthony Zurita is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all the major news happening in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Email: zuritaa@northjersey.com Twitter: @AnthonyRZurita

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