Hoboken Police Arrest Man In Park After Altercation Over Bathroom

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken police said that they arrested a 72-year-old Jersey City man Tuesday at Church Square Park after an apparent altercation over the use of the bathroom.

[Also in today's Hoboken news: Hoboken Streets Safer, City Says, But What About Lockdown Effect?]

Police say that shortly after 2 p.m., they arrested James Allen of Jersey City at the park at Fourth and Garden streets in the center of town.

Allen was charged with terroristic threats, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon, police say.

Police say that at 1:52 p.m. on Tuesday, Sgt. William Bullock and officers Jason Montalvo and Roberto Cuevas were dispatched to the park on a report of a male who had allegedly threatened another male with a knife.

The victim, a man from Union City, pointed out the alleged perpetrator to police. He said that he was with his wife and stopped to use the restroom in the park. As he entered, he noticed Allen inside, police said.

"An argument initiated over the use of the bathroom," police say. "At some point during the argument, Allen [allegedly] brandished a knife and threatened to kill the complainant. An on-scene investigation was conducted and it led to arresting Allen for the alleged described act."

Allen’s charges were placed on a warrant and he was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

The suspect is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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