Hoboken Police Arrest Man 3 Months After Committing Aggravated Assault With A Hammer

Hoboken Detective Lieutenant Jonathan Mecka reports that 52-year old, Hoboken resident Antonio Melendez, Jr. was arrested today and charged with aggravated assault, weapons possession, certain persons not to have a weapon, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia possession following an attack committed three months ago.

Mecka says on March 22, 2022, at 311 13th Street in the elevator lobby shortly after 8:30 pm, Officers Christopher Soto and Aaron Font responded to a report of a man being assaulted with a hammer.  Officer Soto met with the victim who was bleeding from a head laceration.  The victim advised officers he was involved in a verbal argument over a bicycle with a male, who was later identified as Melendez.

The argument became physical when Melendez took a hammer out of his bag and struck the victim in the head.  During the on-scene investigation, officers were able to identify  Melendez as the person who struck the victim with the hammer.

Melendez had fled the area prior to police arriving on scene.  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he received several stitches. Based on his actions, Melendez was charged with the above mentioned criminal charges, which were placed on a warrant.

Detective Lieutenant Macka says, at approximately 1 o’clock this afternoon, Detective Mark Mullins saw Melendez in the area of 5th and Adams Streets.  Prior to stopping him, Detective Mullins confirmed that Melendez still had the outstanding warrant out for his arrest, which he did.  Melendez was then stopped and placed under arrest for the crimes that occurred on March 22nd.

In addition, during the search incident to his arrest, Melendez illegally possessed CDS suboxone and drug paraphernalia.  While at headquarters, a second warrant was generated for being in possession of those items today.

Melendez was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny.