Fugitive Accused of Shooting Philly School Officer Captured in Paramus

A fugitive wanted for shooting a Philadelphia school resource officer and firing at three police officers was captured in Paramus over the weekend, authorities said.

Ariza Giansteban, 29, had allegedly stolen a handgun before fleeing to New Jersey, possibly en route to New Bridge Medical Center, according to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti.

Just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Philadelphia police alerted Paramus officers about Giansteban’s possible location. A coordinated response involving Paramus Sgt. Anthony Mordaga, Officer Vinny LaBarbiera, Bergen County Sheriff’s Officer Patrick Doyle, and others led authorities to the facility.

With the help of New Bridge security, officers confirmed Giansteban’s identity and arrested him without incident. He was booked into Bergen County Jail, where he awaits extradition back to Philadelphia.

The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on June 29 on the 300 block of N. Columbus Blvd. According to ABC, a driver flagged down the officer before someone opened fire. The wounded officer tried to escape but crashed into a tree. He was hospitalized in critical condition.

The investigation is ongoing.