Hoboken Park Attack: Officials Give Updates On Arrested Man, Ask For Changes, Plan Meeting

HOBOKEN, NJ — After a man with two recent arrests was charged Thursday for randomly attacking a man and woman in a Hoboken park in broad daylight, residents and officials are calling for change.

Troy Timberlake, 31, was charged with aggravated assault Thursday after randomly knocking a woman unconscious and then striking a man, both in Church Square Park in the center of town, police said last week.

A woman said that the female victim was her family's nanny. A fundraiser has been set up (see more here).

A city public safety spokesperson told Patch on Monday that Timberlake remains incarcerated. According to prior police reports, he was charged with other crimes by Hoboken police back in June and February.

City officials have scheduled a public safety meeting at City Hall, 94 Washington St., Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be livestreamed here as well.

Various council members have asked to beef up security in the park, which is near several schools. The park includes two playgrounds.

Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, who is among those rumored to be running for mayor next year, sent a message saying she's asked for these changes:

• Funding for an updated surveillance camera system for Church Square Park
• Installation of the emergency blue light phone system in all city parks and along the Waterfront
• Additional funding for park patrols, both police officers and code enforcement officers (who could monitor quality of life issues like smoking in the parks)

Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, another rumored candidate, said she has asked Mayor Ravi Bhalla to prioritize public safety funding in the city budget.

“Our community has grown by over 20 percent in the past decade, with many more families, seniors, and young professionals calling Hoboken home," she said. "With this growth comes a responsibility to address the varied and pressing needs of our city. This isn’t just about increasing police resources; it’s about ensuring our community can be safe, welcoming, and supportive for everyone.”

Councilman Paul Presinzano urged people to attend the meeting Wednesday, even if they don't want to speak. "We’re all feeling the frustration as quality of life issues continue to be overlooked," he said. "This upcoming meeting is a crucial opportunity to hold our leaders accountable." He also included a list of city officials receiving raises in the newest municipal budget, including a 13 percent raise for a mayoral aide. He said the city should prioritize quality-of-life issues instead.

Timberlake was charged Thursday with aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim, child cruelty, and refusal to submit fingerprinting, police said.

He was taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility, police said.

READ MORE: Woman Knocked Unconscious, Man Assaulted In Hoboken Park