By: Richard L. Smith
A Somerset County jury has convicted Victor Ogando-Marte, 39, of Plainfield, on multiple charges stemming from an incident involving an illegal dirt bike pack that resulted in an assault on a police officer.
Ogando-Marte was found guilty of third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree resisting arrest, and inflicting bodily injury with a deadly weapon.
The charges relate to an April 13, 2022, incident on Route 22 in North Plainfield, where Ogando-Marte and a group of 15-20 other dirt bike riders were driving recklessly during rush hour.
The group weaved through traffic, performed dangerous stunts, and obstructed other vehicles. Near the intersection of Rock Avenue, North Plainfield Police Officer James Kirchner attempted to apprehend Ogando-Marte.
During the attempted arrest, Ogando-Marte used his dirt bike to drag Officer Kirchner from the shoulder into the middle of the highway, inflicting bodily harm.
As the officer was on the ground, Ogando-Marte resisted arrest, and other dirt bikers circled and attacked Officer Kirchner.
The situation was brought under control thanks to the intervention of Good Samaritans, 911 callers, off-duty police officers, and responding backup units.
The other dirt bikers fled the scene.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan A. Quiñones, with the assistance of Litigation Paralegal Tiffany Gordon, represented the state during the week-long trial.
Ogando-Marte is scheduled to be sentenced on November 1, 2024, and faces up to five years in New Jersey State Prison.