Crime & Safety
Cop Suspended After Lying About Assault, Hudson Prosecutor Says
A police officer in Hudson County lied that someone assaulted him, resulting in a false arrest, prosecutors say.
HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A police sergeant in Union City lied about being assaulted, resulting in someone being falsely charged with aggravated assault, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Union City Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez, 49, was arrested Tuesday by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit and charged with one count of false reporting to a law enforcement authority, said the county prosecutor's office.
Prosecutors said that last Aug. 8, Rodriguez reported being injured during an encounter with a person at the Union City Police Department. The person was charged with aggravated assault.
Find out what's happening in Jersey Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"A review of records revealed Rodriguez’ report was incorrect and the assault did not occur," prosecutors said.
The investigation was led by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit with cooperation from the Union City Police Department Internal Affairs Unit.
Find out what's happening in Jersey Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rodriguez has been suspended, prosecutors said.
He was released to await a court appearance on Jan. 21.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
