ROSELLE PARK — Roselle Park Police responded to the 400 block of Maplewood Ave at 3:05 this morning for a reported stabbing. Responding units found several people near the intersection of Seaton Ave. One individual was suffering from a stab wound to the upper torso.
The victim, 20, is a former Roselle Park resident now living in Bergen County. He was transported to University Hospital, where he underwent surgery and is now in guarded but stable condition.
Police located several witnesses who said they were attending a nearby house party when two individuals started arguing. The argument spilled outside and quickly turned violent when one of the individuals attacked the other with a large kitchen knife. The suspect fled the scene on foot.
At the scene, a 20-year-old Roselle Park resident was charged with possession of marijuana and a 23-year-old Metuchen resident was charged with obstruction of justice and hinderinga apprehension.
As part of their investigation, police arrested Roberto J. Rodriguez, 20, of Chestnut Street in Roselle Park as he walked on Seaton Avenue this morning. He was arrested for charges related to the stabbing.
Based on witness accounts and evidence found at the scene, detectives were able to gather sufficient evidence to charge Rodriguez with aggravated assault with the intent to cause serious bodily injury. Bail was set at $100,000. He was also charged with possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and destruction of evidence, bail was set at $25,000.
At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez was allegedly found to possess a weapon, a sharpened tire punch that was secured in his waistband. He was charged additionally for this weapon, bail was set at $15,000. Rodriguez was lodged in Union County jail in lieu of $140,000 total bail.
The female charged earlier with hindering, possession of CDS and obstruction is identified as Jnecia Flanagan, 23 , of Metuchen. Flanagan’s bail was set at $11,257, she was lodged in Union County Jail.
The other male charged earlier with CDS possession is identified as Luis Galindo, 20, from Roselle Park. Galindo was released pending his appearance in court.
Anyone with information of the assault is asked to contact Det. Matthew Disano at
908-245-2300.
The investigation is continuing.
