Exclusive: Woman struck by stray bullet in Passaic speaks out

PASSAIC, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two teenagers are facing charges after an innocent bystander was struck by a stray bullet when gunfire erupted during an argument on a Passaic street Wednesday night, and now, the victim is speaking exclusively to Eyewitness News.

Police responded to a report of a shooting at Gregory Avenue and Madison Street around 8:50 p.m., and arriving officers found 58-year-old Santa Guerrero suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. Guerrero told them she was getting out of her car when she heard several shots, and as she began walking toward her home, she realized she had been shot in the right thigh.

"They can't be shooting people like that," she said in Spanish. "They could have killed someone. I could have been killed. They could have killed me."

Witnesses told police that two people fled the area on bicycles after the incident.

"I don't know who fired the shots," she said. "I know there were three (people), but I only saw two when the shots were fired."

A short time later, police saw a teen on a bike matching the witnesses' description. A 16-year-old city resident was arrested near Oak Street and Myrtle Avenue.

The alleged gunman, a 17-year-old Clifton resident, was later arrested at his home.

"Teenagers," she said. "Where are their parents? Parents need to know where the kids are."

They are charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy and weapons possession offenses and were taken to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.

Police say a .38-caliber revolver was also recovered and that the teens had an argument with other people prior to the shooting.

As for Guerrero, she is simply sad that she cannot walk safely in her neighborhood, especially at night.

"This is the area, no good," she said. "The area no good. No bueno."

She was taken to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, where she was treated and released.