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Passaic Prosecutor: Accused Paterson Killer Tries To Run, Fights Police

PATERSON, N.J. -- A 19-year-old Paterson man who police said killed one man and wounded another in a hail of gunfire over the weekend was home Monday night when they arrested him -- but he wasn't going quietly, authorities said.

Tamaj Lemmon

Tamaj Lemmon

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Passaic County Prosecutor

City police found Tamaj Lemmon around 6:30 p.m. Monday in the boiler room of a building where he lived on North 4th Street, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said Tuesday.

He was carrying 38 bags of heroin, with a handgun nearby, she said.

While being taken into custody, Lemmon "assaulted a police officer, causing bruising and swelling to the wrist, and resisted arrest by temporarily fleeing on foot before being re-apprehended," the prosecutor said.

Authorities charged him with the murder of Vishon Randolph, 19, and the attempted murder of 20-year-old Zimere Kellom during a shooting at Montgomery and Straight streets Saturday, Police Director Jerry Speziale said Tuesday morning.

Lemmon also faces weapons, resisting arrest and aggravated assault on police charges, among other offenses.

Randolph died after being struck several times, Speziale said. Lemmon shot at two other people, wounding one of them, Valdes added. He was expected to survive, she said.

Authorities asked that anyone with information that could help them in what is a continuing investigation call city detectives at (973) 321-1120 or the prosecutor's office at 1-877-370-PCPO or via email at tips@passaiccountynj.org.

Working the case are Lt. Daniel Rooney, Detectives Jason English, Mary Martinez and Benny Ramos, along with Detective Angel Perales of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office (PCPO).

Or use Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office “Tips” line at 1-877-370-PCPO or email: tips@passaiccountynj.org.  

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