Press Release- Aggravated Assault on Police Officer

    On 4/22/2017, at approximately 12:28 am Officer Adam Fingeroth was patrolling on Howard Drive and observed a vehicle double parked in the roadway.  Officer Fingeroth stopped his vehicle to investigate and observed several males in the area. While investigating, the males attempted to disperse in different directions while one male who was near the vehicle refused to cooperate and attempted to move the vehicle. Officer Fingeroth requested the male’s driving credentials but the male refused. While trying to maintain visual of the other males, the driver, later identified as Junior Jimenez-Mariano, age 21 of Bergenfield, NJ exited the vehicle and a physical altercation ensued. Officer Fingeroth and the driver were engaged in a physical altercation on the ground when another male, later identified as Daniel Jimenez-Villanueva, age 20 of Bergenfield, NJ attacked the officer. Officer Fingeroth was now engaged with both males on the ground.

 Bergenfield Officers along with Teaneck, Englewood and Tenafly PD responded to assist. As responding officers arrived, the second male fled the scene while the first male was handcuffed and secured. Bergen County Sheriff’s K 9 unit responded to assist. A search of the area was conducted for the second male. While investigating the incident, officers observed the male who fled in the scene was now standing in the crowd. It was determined that the male changed his clothing and returned in order to avoid detection. He was subsequently arrested as well.

Both males who are brothers were charged with Aggravated Assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. Junior Jimenez-Mariano was also charged with Obstructing a governmental function and transported to the Bergen County Jail. Daniel Jimenez-Villanueva was additionally charged with hindering apprehension and issued a complaint summons and released. This is still an active investigation and further charges may be forthcoming.

 Officer Fingeroth sustained bruising to his facial area and upper body and was transported to Holy Name Medical Center by Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance and later released.

 The new bail reform system enabled Daniel Jimenez-Villanueva to be released to go home while my officer went to the hospital. This is troubling and deeply disturbing. The system is flawed when an officer lands in the hospital and the actor is released the same day. This is an issue that does not sit well with any law enforcement member.

 Thank you to all the towns that assisted us during this incident.