Hoboken Man Scraps With Cops After Dumping Soda On Officer: PD

HOBOKEN, NJ — A Hoboken man allegedly shoved, choked and spat at police officers during a recent encounter, authorities said.

The incident began when a pair of Hoboken officers responded to 1st and Harrison streets after getting a report of a “suspicious person” around 6:47 a.m. on Aug. 24. On arrival, the officers found a man later identified as Luis Rivera, 51, of Hoboken, who fit the description provided to them.

When the officers attempted to stop Rivera and speak to him, he allegedly became “irate” and tried to walk away. When ordered to stop, he ignored the request and pushed one of the officers, authorities said.

The officer tried to arrest Rivera, but a struggle ensued after Rivera dumped a can of soda on him, police said.

During the struggle, Rivera grabbed another officer by the head and neck in an attempt to choke him. However, officers were able to take control of Rivera after tumbling to the ground, authorities said.

While being transported, Rivera spat at another officer who arrived on the scene to help with the arrest, police said.

Authorities charged Rivera with four counts of Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, Throwing Bodily Fluid, Obstruction and Bail Jumping. He was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

Despite an elbow abrasion and minor cuts, all involved officers were able to continue their tour of duty after the encounter, police stated.

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