Jersey City cop among 3 arrested in Hoboken for early Sunday morning street fights

A Jersey City police officer was among three arrested in Hoboken early Sunday morning after at least two fights broke out in the middle of the street, authorities said. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

At approximately 2:56 a.m., Hoboken Police Sgt. Saverio Binetti called in a fight in the area of 1st and River Streets. He also requested an ambulance to the scene. As uniformed personnel arrived, they observed a group of about 40 people in the street, according to Det. Lt. Edgardo Cruz.

They observed an unconscious male on the ground bleeding from a cut under his eye. He was being tended to by several bystanders, along with Officer Cynthia Rivera who was already on scene, officials said.

As the officers attempted to disperse the crowd, they received information as to the person who caused the injury to the victim, authorities said.

They observed Erik Castro, 24, a Jersey City resident and police officer, standing outside of 41 First St. He advised the officers that he struck the victim causing the injuries, police said.

Several witnesses confirmed the defendant’s role in the assault, along with defendant Kely Nunfio, also 24 and from Jersey City. He was found on scene as well, officials said.

As the officers spoke with several witnesses, they were advised that both Castro and Nunfio struck the victim several times rendering him unconscious. He was also struck by the defendants while still unconscious on the ground, police said.

According to authorities, they were both placed under arrest and transported to headquarters for processing. The victim suffered serious head trauma from the assault.

He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center Trauma Unit where he remained under observation. Castro was released on a summons, while Nunfio was remanded to the Hudson County Rehabilitation Center.

Both defendants were charged with aggravated assault.

Meanwhile, as Officers Matthew Rossi and John Hermann assisted with a previous street fight, they received a call of another fight in the area of 84 Washington St., police said.

As the officers arrived, they observed Sgt. Donald Rosso on the ground struggling to place the defendant under arrest. A short distance away, they also observed a male lying on the ground unconscious, bleeding from the back of his head, authorities said.

After a brief struggle, the defendant was eventually placed under arrest. Prior to the arrest, Rosso observed a large fight taking place in the street. As he exited his vehicle, he gave several commands to disperse, officials said.

The defendant, David Fetchko, 23, of Bayonne, refused to comply and remained on top of the victim, continuously punching him in the head and face, police said.

Fetchko was transported to headquarters, where he was processed for aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault and resisting arrest, before being remanded to the Hudson County Rehabilitation Center.

The victim sustained serious head injuries and was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center. Rosso was also evaluated by medical personnel for injuries to his knees and was not able to complete his shift.