Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Jose Rodriguez, 46, of Newark pled guilty today before the Honorable Martin G. Cronin, Judge of the Superior Court, to aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, eluding and aggravated assault during the course of an eluding.
On Feb. 25, 2016 Newark Police attempted to stop Rodriguez as he was traveling in a stolen car.
He eluded police but was eventually taken into custody. Once arrested, police took Rodriguez to University Hospital to be checked for injuries. While at the hospital, Rodriguez told the police officer he needed to use the bathroom.
Once inside the bathroom Rodriguez assaulted the police officer. Kicking and punching her, Rodriguez broke multiple bones in her face and knocked out teeth, according to Assistant Prosecutor Jason Alterbaum, who handled the case.
Today, Rodriguez admitted to eluding and assaulting the police officer. He also admitted that he caused injuries to a female relative who was in the car with him, Alterbaum said.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Rodriguez is expected to be sentenced to 16 years in New Jersey State Prison with an 85 percent period of parole ineligibility, Assistant Prosecutor Alterbaum said.
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Prior to pleading guilty to these charges, Rodriguez was convicted of 14 other felonies, including aggravated assault, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, burglary, robbery and receiving stolen property.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 7 before Judge Cronin.
“Given this defendant’s prior criminal history and his brazen attack on a police officer, the 16-year sentence is an appropriate resolution of this case,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Alterbaum. “This sentence should prevent him from causing any more harm for a long time. Not only did he cause serious injury to a police officer but he also injured a relative who was a passenger in the vehicle.’’