Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Investigating Union City Police Involved Shooting on July 4

HUDSON COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE SHOOTING RESPONSE TEAM INVESTIGATING POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING IN UNION CITY

As reported yesterday, there was a police involved shooting during Union City’s July 4th festivities as a man was wielding a knife.  This morning, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information:

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Shooting Response Team is investigating a police involved shooting that occurred on Monday, July 4, 2022, in Union City.   According to a preliminary investigation, at approximately 7:49 p.m., uniformed officers of the Union City Police Department were flagged down in the area of 23rd Street and Bergenline Avenue on reports of a stabbing incident.  Responding officers located the suspect – later identified as 58-year old Jesus Suazo of Union City – nearby.

During the encounter, a uniformed officer fired his weapon, striking Suazo.  A knife was recovered near Suazo.  He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.  In relation to the initial incident, one male civilian sustained non-fatal injuries, and Suazo has been charged with aggravated assault, a crime of the second degree, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a crime of the third degree, and unlawful possession of a weapon, a crime of the fourth degree.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Shooting Response Team and Public Integrity Unit immediately notified the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General of the use of force by police, pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4.  The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has been designated the independent investigator for this officer involved shooting and is investigating the incident in accordance with guidelines set forth by the NJOAG.

The investigation in this matter, including the use of force by police, remains active and ongoing. At this time, further information will not be released so as not to jeopardize the investigation in progress.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s official website at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.