Jersey City cab driver acquitted of charges he held senior citizen hostage in taxi
A Jersey City cab driver was found not guilty today of allegations he locked a 77-year-old passenger in his cab after refusing to accept the man’s senior discount fare. During the trial Abdalziz testified he drove Harkins to Kennedy Boulevard and Fairmont Avenue on April 9 and upon arrival Harkins showed him a senior citizen card and in keeping with city policy, offered Abdalziz half the $4.50 fare. The driver said he demanded identification and when Harkins said he had none on him, he refused to accept the discounted fare. Abdalziz said Harkins told him he’d had the same problem with a cab driver previously and said he was calling police. Instead, the cabbie told Harkins to stay in the car and he called police himself.
Abdalziz testified, and the judge agreed, that Harkins was free to leave the cab at any time. Abad said Harkins said he wanted to wait for police anyway. The arriving officers filed no charges against driver or passenger and Abdalziz accepted Harkins’ $2.25 fare, which was handed to him by the officers. After today’s verdict, Harkins said he was shocked Abad ignored his testimony stating the Abdalziz had locked him in the cab and repeatedly refused to let him out.
Abdalziz was represented by Jersey City Attorney Patrick G Patel.
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Cranford police officer suffers broken hand when narcotics arrest turns violent
A Cranford police officer was hospitalized after a narcotics arrest turned violent during the early morning hours today at Cranford High School. Officer John Rattigan was conducting a security check of the Cranford High School property at approximately 1:22 a.m. when he saw three men crouching behind a retaining wall located in front of the school building. With another officer respondeding to assist, the officers approached the group and found all three were to be in possession of suspected marijuana, as well as an open container of alcoholic beverage. As they were being placed under arrest, all three attempted to run away.
Despite being ordered to stop, Russell Holtz Jr., 19 of Rahway, attempted to flee and was tackled to the ground and handcuffed. Nathanael Greene, 19 of Cranford physically resisted and had to be wrestled to the ground when he tried to pull away to flee. He continued to flail his arms and strike at Officer Wagner, and was eventually subdued and restrained with assistance from other officers. During the melee, Officer Wagner suffered a broken hand and had to undergo surgery later in the day.
Colin Embry, 18 of Westfield, fled the scene on foot towards Berkeley Place, but was identified by police due to his New Jersey driver’s license which was left at the scene. Embry turned himself in at the Cranford Police Department a few hours later. As a result of the incident, all three subjects were charged with resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and possession of narcotics paraphernalia.
If you are charges with any crimes in Union County, call the Union County Criminal Defense Lawyers at 732-773-2768 to discuss your charges.
Greene was additionally charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and Holtz was charged with underage possession of an alcoholic beverage. Police recovered three zip top bags of suspected marijuana and open bottles of Bacardi Rum and wine at the scene.
Cranford Police Chief Eric Mason believes the incident highlights the dangers his officers face every day. “In this day and age, no community is immune to violence, and no incident is routine,” he stated. “These officers confront criminals and respond to unpredictable situations every day; they place themselves in harm’s way each and every time they come to work. In this particular case it resulted in a serious injury and I wish Officer Wagner a safe and speedy recovery.”
Holtz and Embry were released after processing with a first appearance scheduled in Superior Court on January 3, 2011. Greene was released after posting $5000 bail, also with a first appearance on January 11, 2011.
Bounty hunter arrested for firearms possession after fugitive escapes
Bounty hunter Richard Winant, of Jackson, opened fire at about 7:15 p.m. Thursday night on the 300 block of River Road, Lakewood. Winant allegedly fired one, 9 mm round at Nicholas Barone, 30, of the High Point garden apartments on Prospect Street. After Winant hit Barone’s car, Barone then attempted to run him over. One of
Winant’s hands was struck by the car. He was treated for minor injuries at the scene and refused further treatment. To his credit, Winant called police to report his injury and the shooting. However, they arrested him for illegal possession of a weapon — a 9 mm automatic handgun. Due to the Graves Act, he could be looking at some hard time unless he gets a great lawyer to help him out.
Barone was arrested later at his apartment by Lakewood police. They found him with a loaded handgun. He was charged with resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
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Holiday Weekend Shoplifting Cases Expected to be High
Paramus Shoplifting Lawyers
With the economy bad and unemployment high, shoplifters are likely to be out in droves this weekend. As a result, shoplifting cases in Paramus, Livingston, Woodbridge, Elizabeth, Freehold, Stafford, Jackson and other towns where shoplifting cases are common are likely to be high. Our New Jersey shoplifting attorneys have found that early attorney involvement can make a big difference in the ultimate outcome of the case. With electronics always a favorite target of shoplifting defendants, it becomes easy for anyone to pick up felony charges. If you are charged with shoplifting in New Jersey and the value of the items allegedly taken is over $200, you will be facing felony charges. Even if the value is under $200, shoplifting charges are getting tougher to defend. For unknown reasons, courts around New Jersey are taking a tough line on shoplifting charges by preventing prosecutors from offering good plea bargains. Thus, it is more important than ever to get a shoplifting lawyer that will fight for you.
Keansburg Aggravated Assault Charges Against Several People
Keansburg Aggravated Assault Lawyers
Six people were injured, and they and six others have been charged as a result of a Thanksgiving Day brawl. The fight stemmed from an earlier altercation between two 18-year-old boys. Richard LeComte Sr., his sons Matthew and Richard Jr. and his 14-year-old daughter, confronted Lamar Shabazz at his home about what he said was Shabazz assaulting his son, Brian LeComte, according to police. Within minutes, Richard LeComte Jr. punched Shabazz and a melee ensued. Police said that when Shabazz got back into his home, he grabbed a carving knife began threatening the LeComte family. Police said that Richard LeComte Jr. used metal knuckles to punch several people in the face and head, causing injuries.
Richard LeComte Jr. of South Concourse, Aberdeen, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault; possession of a weapon, the metal knuckles; rioting; and disorderly conduct. Police said he was released after posting $85,000 bail. Richard LeComte Sr. and Matthew LeComte, both of Main Street, Keansburg, were charged with disorderly conduct and rioting, and were released in $2,500 bail each. Shabazz of Oakwood Place was charged with aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and rioting.
Charged with disorderly conduct were Pamela Harbison, of Oakwood Place, and Anita Diaz, of Center Avenue in Keansburg; Latesha Harbison, of Trenton; and Jessica Harbison, of Fayetteville, N.C.
Four juveniles — members of the two families involved in the brawl — were charged with disorderly conduct, police said, and the state Division of Youth and Family Services were notified about their involvement. Also, officials will follow up on code violations at the Oakwood Place home where the group fought and the landlord of the property faces complaints for maintaining a nuisance at the address.
Source: APP.COM
Ocean Township Police issue over 60 tickets for consuming alcoholic beverages while under the legal
Ocean Township consuming alcoholic beverages while under the legal age on private property
Ocean Township police broke up another large party filled mostly with Monmouth University students. Police were originally called to the home for an assault complaint. When the police got there, there was no alleged victim. However, the patrolman did find a large party with over 60 people drinking who were under 21. As a result 61 tickets were issued.
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Wall Township Lewdness Charges Lawyer – Belmar man arrested for flash at Dunkin Donuts
Wall Township Lewdness Charges Lawyers
Wall Township is the wrong place to pick up a lewdness charge as a result of flashing people or trying to pick up someone at the rest stop on the parkway. As an attorney that practices in Wall Township Municipal Court, I can tell you that the State really takes a hardline on these cases. Police arrested a Belmar man at the Wall Township Dunkin Donuts after receiving reports shortly after 9 p.m. Friday about a man creating a disturbance at the store. His bail was $2500. Story is here.
Holmdel Burglary Attorney – Teen charged with burglary of cars
Holmdel Burglary Attorney – Monmouth County Juvenile Court Lawyer
Kevin Daly, 18, of Holmdel was arrested by Patrolman Robert Philhower after he was allegedly observed around 4:45 p.m. walking through the Holmdel High School parking lot and entering vehicles. Police allege that Daly was found to be in possession of an Apple iPod Touch valued at $399 and $12 in cash. Police believe that they were stolen from the vehicles. As a result, he was charged with burglary, theft, and receiving stolen property.
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Keansburg Shoplifting Lawyer – Woman charged with shoplifting allegedly used child to help
Keansburg Shoplifting Lawyer
Gwen K. Daly, 30, and Rhonda Tuason, 52, were charged Sunday with shoplifting and hindering apprehension. Daly was also charged with employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime. At about 3:30 p.m., a security guard at Kohl’s allegedly saw Daly and Tuason trying to conceal store merchandise and wearing several items they had not paid for. Keansburg Patrolman Michael Moore arrested Daly and Tuason and allegedly found a 7-year-old child with them wearing several layers of clothing that had not been purchased. As a result, the women are facing felony criminal charges in Monmouth County Superior Court.
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Far Hills Disorderly Conduct – Public Urination – Underage Drinking Lawyers
Far Hills Disorderly Conduct – Public Urination – Underage Drinking Lawyers
About 40,000 people turned out to the 90th annual races held Saturday at Moorland Farms, in Far Hills where police started turning people away son after the gates opened at 8 a.m. for being visibly intoxicated. An undercover operation resulted in summonses to 46 people. By the end of the day, dozens of summonses and arrests had been made for public urination, disorderly conduct, underage drinking and other infractions. Police handed out 29 summonses for public urination, the most common offense. While such a charge may not land you in jail, it could be very bad on your record. A Far Hills Municipal Court attorney can help you avoid harsh fines and penalties. Some charges can be dismissed or amended so that your record looks better. If you are facing any charges in Far Hills Municipal Court call the Somerset County Criminal Defense Lawyers today.
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Tonacchio Law LC 