New details have emerged in the arrest of a knife-wielding Hoboken man who said he had COVID-19 based on the smell of his stool, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
John Vogel 60, of Hoboken, was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of weapon, and possessing prohibited weapons and devices, according to Police Det. Lt. Danilo Cabrera.
On Saturday, at approximately 12:59 p.m., Officers Wilfredo Gomez, Nathaniel Arocho, and Samuel Flores responded to the area of 4th Street and Willow Avenue on a reported man brandishing a large knife ready to attack someone, Cabrera said.
When police arrived, they were approached by the man who called the incident in. He stated that he overheard two men arguing and one of them had a large knife in his hand and he was standing in the area of 423 Willow Ave.
Officers approached the man, identified as John Vogel, and conducted an investigation. Vogel was found to be in possession of two knives: one was 14 inches long and the other was eight inches long, authorities said.
Vogel was also in possession of 50 grams of pepper spray gel. While being placed under arrest, he stated he was COVID-19 positive, stating he smelled the virus in his stool, so he went to the hospital. He said that hospital personnel mentioned to him that he could be positive, officials said, though Vogel did not know if he was tested.
All officers on scene were wearing their Personal Protection Equipment at the time of contact with Vogel and he transported to headquarters. At headquarters, Vogel was seen by an ambulance and he allegedly refused any further medical treatment.
Vogel neither displayed nor stated he had any signs of symptoms of the virus at the time of the arrest. He was also found to have an identification card from Hawaii, but is currently residing in Hoboken.
Vogel’s charges were placed on a warrant and it was also discovered that he had a Hudson County Superior Court warrant for his arrest. Vogel was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility after being processed.
The other man involved in the argument was not found.
On Saturday, Police Chief Kenneth Ferrante made mention of the arrest on Twitter.
