NJ Crutch Attack: Man Charged With Assaulting 6, Police Say

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken police charged a New York man with six counts of aggravated assault Thursday after he allegedly struck multiple people on the street with a crutch — one of whom he knew, police said on Saturday.

The incident led to questions and speculation in several Hoboken internet groups this week, including video posted of someone appearing to swing an object at a person sitting outside a cafe.

Leonardo Clanton, 37, of New York was charged Thursday with six counts of aggravated assault, two weapons possession charges, and resisting arrest, police said.

Police said that officers responded to the corner of 11th and Jefferson streets around 11:45 a.m. Thursday after multiple calls about "a male striking people with a crutch."

Officers Wilfredo Gomez and Roberto Cuevas arrived first on scene and attempted to stop the man, police said.

Soon after, Sgt. Joe Lucignano and Officer Dylan Archilla arrived.

The man "continued to take batting stances with the crutch while yelling at the officers to shoot him. The officers were able to safely arrest Mr. Clanton without incident," police said. "During the on-scene investigation officers determined that Mr. Clanton [allegedly] assaulted a total of six people, one of which he knew."

Some victims were taken to the hospital for their injuries, police said, while others refused medical attention.

Clanton received an additional charge after he refused to be fingerprinted, police said.

He was processed then transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

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