Aggravated Assault Charges issued for several Bergen County NJ Residents

6 Defendants Charged with Assault in Carlstadt NJ

Two separate brawls outside a Carlstadt bar leads to six individuals being arrested and charged with amongst other things, aggravated assault, which is a felony offense in New Jersey. The Carlstadt Police have reported that an off-duty police officer from Teaneck New Jersey was seriously injured as a result of the first brawl. The off duty cop has allegedly suffered two fractured eye sockets, a broken nose and a dislocated jaw. The off duty officer was reportedly the victim in the matter and not considered one of the aggressors.

The initial reports indicate that the first brawl began shortly after the defendants began throwing snowballs at some of the other patrons who were leaving the bar. Things began to escalate when the defendants started throwing the snowballs at passing vehicles. Apparently, one of individuals passing by pulled into the bar to confront the defendants. According to the reports, surveillance video then captures one of the defendants, a 21-year-old, Rutherford New Jersey resident assaulting the driver. That driver was able to flee the scene. However, this caused somewhat of a traffic jam at the entrance to the bar and this is when the defendants allegedly began attacking other patrons who were attempting to drive away from the bar. One of the victims allegedly sustained a broken ankle, which requires extensive surgery and as stated earlier, an off duty officer also suffered a fractured eye socket, a nose and a dislocated jaw as well. 

The defendants are currently being held in the Bergen County Jail on a bails ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. They have been charged with aggravated assault, most likely in the second degree due to the severity of the injuries alleged to have been suffered. Aggravated assault in the second degree is also an offense subject to the No Early Release Act. Therefore, if convicted, a defendant could be sentenced up to ten (10) years in a New Jersey State Prison and since it is subject to the No Early Release Act, the defendant must serve at least 85% of his sentence. As you can tell, this is a very serious charge in New Jersey. If you or someone you know has been charged with an offense like assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats or any other criminal offense for that matter, the Law Offices of Marshall, Bonus, Proetta & Oliver can help. If you would like a free initial consultation with any one of the eight criminal defense attorneys on staff please contact any one of our Bergen County Offices at 1-800-682-4037.