Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced charges against two Jersey City officers reportedly involved in an altercation at a pizza establishment Tuesday.
Officials said the Internal Affairs Unit of the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor charged Jersey City Police Officers Rodney Clark and Courtney Solomon for their involvement in an altercation at a pizza establishment in Jersey City while on-duty yesterday.
According to a statement released by authorities, the incident was reported to the Jersey City Police Department. JCPD then reported the incident to the Prosecutor’s Internal Affairs Unit. After a preliminary investigation, the Jersey City Police Department suspended the officers without pay.
Police would not say if the officers were engaged in a physical fight among themselves, but according to NJ101.5, a supervisor stated the following: "basically it's a police issue, but yes there was a little incident here. We're not going to say anything about it. We don't know anything really involved in the investigation. The internal affairs is handling everything," store supervisor Bill Dun told New Jersey 101.5.
"It's not any big deal just something we don't want to get involved with. It's a police issue right now," Dun said, adding that he was not present for the incident.
A Complaint-Summons has been issued for both Clark and Solomon charging them with Terroristic Threats, Disorderly Conduct and Harassment. Officials said officers are scheduled to make their first appearance on these charges at 10 a.m. on April 11, 2018, in CJP Court located in the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.
“The Prosecutor’s Office will fully investigate the allegations against these officers and prosecute in accordance with the law to ensure that justice is served,” said Prosecutor Suarez. “Officers who abuse their power and break the law must be held accountable for their actions.”
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Jersey City Police Department Internal Affairs Unit for assisting with the investigation.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.