When Paterson City Councilman Luis Velez was arrested last week for allegedly pulling a fire alarm in City Hall, he became the third sitting council member currently facing criminal charges.

Velez, who represents the Fifth Ward, was arrested last Tuesday and charged with third-degree creating a false public alarm over an incident that occurred last year in City Hall.

An affidavit of probable cause alleges the councilman entered the building about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, with two women.

Velez appeared to enter a bathroom, according to the video.

After about 18 seconds, Velez emerged on camera again and appeared to touch a chair meant for the disabled, the affidavit states.

Then he walked over to the fire alarm and touched the device until the alarm went off with red lights

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