Veteran Paterson Cop Wrestles Suspect In Boost Mobile Store

A veteran Paterson police officer helped to apprehend three men for assault, weapon possession and drug charges after a tense standoff in a local Boost Mobile store on Nov. 25.

According to the Paterson Police Department, the incident began around 5 p.m., when Jamie Mejia – a 30-year veteran of the force – arrived at the store alone after receiving a call about four males acting suspiciously inside the Park Avenue store.

While waiting for backup to arrive, Mejia entered the store and ordered the men to show their hands, authorities said.

Three of the men complied, but one allegedly disregarded Mejia’s orders and discarded a loaded .45 caliber handgun by a showcase, police stated.

At that time, the suspect who discarded the gun – later identified as Delshawn Wright, 18, of Paterson – attempted to flee the store, police said.

Wright allegedly rushed the doorway and knocked into Mejia, causing him to strike his head against the metal doorframe. As Mejia struggled with Wright, two of the other suspects – Jamar Thompson, 19, of Butler, and a 15-year-old juvenile from Paterson – allegedly interfered with the officer, authorities stated.

Backup officers arrived on the scene shortly after the struggle began and helped Mejia to overcome Wright, then placed him under arrest along with Thompson and the juvenile.

Officers gave chase after the fourth man fled the scene, but were unable to catch him, police said.

After arresting and searching the three apprehended men, officers found 100 bags of heroin in Wright’s possession, police said.

Emergency responders transported Mejia to St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where he was treated for a deep laceration to his head and bruises to his knees, authorities stated.

Police charged Wright with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, various weapons offenses and possession of heroin with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.

Police charged the juvenile and Thompson with obstructing a governmental function.

An investigation is ongoing, police stated.

“Officer Mejia faced an extremely difficult situation, yet he remained calm and continued regardless of the danger he faced,” Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale said, commending Mejia’s efforts.