NJ Transit police use pepper spray to subdue axe wielding man at Hoboken Terminal

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Three New Jersey Transit police officers were credited for subduing an axe wielding man, eventually deploying pepper spray, at Hoboken Terminal last week, authorities said.

From left to right: New Jersey Transit Police Officers Brian Rea, Joseph Ragazzo, and Randy Vargas. Photos courtesy of the NJT Police Department.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

On Wednesday, October 25th, NJ Transit Police Officers Brian Rea, Joseph Ragazzo, and Randy Vargas were on patrol at Hoboken Terminal, the department posed on social media.

The officers were on the main concourse when they heard calls for help from the main waiting room. They entered the waiting room and observed a suspect wielding a large camping style axe.

The suspect had the axe in hand and was aggressively advancing towards a fleeing man. ⁣⁣
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To protect the fleeing man, the officers positioned themselves between him and the armed suspect, who refused to comply with officers’ verbal commands to drop the axe.

Rea subsequently created distance and deployed pepper spray in an attempt to deescalate the situation. After additional coordinated efforts, the suspect was apprehended, and the axe was recovered. ⁣⁣
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“These officers acted without pause to protect the fleeing man and every commuter in the waiting room. Their actions exemplify our NJTPD core values: Honor, Commitment, Integrity, and Courage,” the department added.


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2 COMMENTS

  1. Coming from a family of law enforcement officers, my son a Sargent in the city of Hoboken, this is an example of how these men and women put their life on the line everyday! Their commitment to the oath to Protect and Serve, is exemplified by the actions of these three officers. So, the next time you feel the need to criticize a police officer, maybe you should consider thanking them for their service. Every time they put on their uniforms, could be the last time they see their families.

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