Newark Man Attacked Cop In Hospital Bathroom, Pleads Guilty

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark man has pleaded guilty to attacking a police officer who allowed him to use the bathroom while he was being checked for possible injuries at a local hospital last year, authorities said.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Jose Rodriguez, 46, of Newark, pleaded guilty on Friday to aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, eluding and aggravated assault during the course of an eluding.

Prosecutors said that in February of 2016, Newark police officers attempted to stop Rodriguez as he was traveling in a stolen car. Rodriguez eluded police during the encounter but was eventually taken into custody.

Once arrested, police took Rodriguez to University Hospital to be checked for injuries. While at the hospital, Rodriguez told the police officer he needed to use the bathroom, prosecutors said.

“Once inside the bathroom Rodriguez assaulted the police officer,” Assistant Prosecutor Jason Alterbaum stated. “Kicking and punching her, Rodriguez broke multiple bones in her face and knocked out her teeth.”

On Friday, Rodriguez admitted to eluding and assaulting the police officer. He also admitted that he caused injuries to a female relative who was in the car with him at the time, prosecutors said.

Prior to pleading guilty to these charges, Rodriguez was convicted of 14 other felonies, including aggravated assault, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, burglary, robbery and receiving stolen property, prosecutors said.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Rodriguez is expected to be sentenced to 16 years in New Jersey State Prison with an 85 percent period of parole ineligibility, prosecutors said.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 7.

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