A Hoboken police officer “displayed his service weapon” early this morning in order to subdue a Jersey City man who allegedly was chasing a man with a machete moments earlier, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Salvatore Spadafora, 54, of Jersey City, was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and criminal mischief, according to Police Det. Lt. Danilo Cabrera.
This morning at approximately 12:01 a.m., Officer Daniel Grossi was flagged down by a woman in the area of 1st and Washington Street. She pointed to a man and reported that he was in possession of a machete, officials said.
Grossi exited his patrol car and approached him. The officer observed the man holding a machete in his right hand. Grossi displayed his service weapon and ordered the man to drop the machete. He complied and he was ordered to sit on the ground, authorities said.
Officers Joseph Spano, Tyler Soto, Geovanni Cruzado, Marvin DeJesus, Brandon Fitzgibbons, and Sgt. Roary Miller then responded to the scene.
At this time, the man was identified as Spadafora. It was learned through on scene investigation that Spadafora was in an argument with an unknown man in the area of Newark Avenue and Washington Street.
The argument escalated when Spadafora produced a machete from his pants resulting in the unknown male to run away north on Washington Street. Spadafora was observed holding the machete above his head as he chased after the unknown male.
It was also reported that Spadafora swung the machete and struck a parked vehicle. The unknown victim was not found.
Spadafora was placed under arrest and his charges were placed on a warrant and he was committed to the Hudson County Correctional Facility, police said.
Thankful for the the very brave cool headed Hoboken Police Officer being in the right place and time.
Is that a machete in your pants or are you just happy to see me ?