A Hoboken man has been charged with assault three police officers after he brought a knife to the local homeless shelter, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On Thursday, July 13th, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Sgt. Francis McCourt, along with Police Officers Samuel Flores, Christopher Barral, Ramon Estrella, Anthony Hochstadter, Dominick Allegretta, Anthony Azzoline, and Harry Montalvo responded to the Hoboken Shelter, 300 Bloomfield St., on reports of a man with a knife, refusing to leave.
When they arrived, officers recognized the suspect as Jesus Ortega, 29, of Hoboken. The officers stayed calm and used their training to quickly defuse the situation without the suspect or bystanders being injured.
Three of the officers were treated at Hoboken University Medical Center for minor injuries they received during a struggle when they took Ortega into custody.
“I applaud all the officers, whose swift and professional actions brought this incident to the safest possible conclusion. They showed remarkable restraint under stressful circumstances,” Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante said in a statement.
“I thank all my officers for their professionalism while dealing with an aggressive and armed suspect. Their quick thinking, training, and de-escalation techniques were key to mitigating the number of injuries suffered,” added Police Chief Steven Aguiar.
Ortega was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. He was processed and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Additionally, the Hoboken PD’s Investigations Bureau, under the supervision of Det. Sgt. William Collins, assisted in this arrest and investigation.