Passaic NJ Mayor Addresses Viral Video Of Police Brawl With Residents
A video has gone viral showing Passaic, NJ police officers involved in a serious physical, brawl like altercation with residents earlier this month. Now, the mayor is speaking out.
In the video, from March 1, it appears as if Passaic officers are brutally attacking the residents for no reason. However, mayor Hector Lora says the viral visual doesn’t show the whole truth.
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Lora states that residents Rosalba Palma, 37, Julio Oliveras,37, Leslie Hernandez, 19 and Angie Alvarado, 19, resisted arrest and are now facing aggravated assault charges after the altercation; which began over complaints of residents drinking and fighting.
Furthermore, as police arrived to the scene, they heard a loud bang, and proceeded to enter the apartment to ensure everyone’s safety. However, the residents “obstructed” the officers from doing so, and the fight escalated.
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Lora adds, that “on the video I have, the police are repeatedly asking the individuals to not close the door.
Subsequent to the altercation, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office charged Palma, Oliveras, Hernandez and Alvarado with the aforementioned aggravated assault charges, and also obstruction and resisting arrest.
In addition, Oliveras was also charged with a disorderly persons offense for drug possession.