Crime & Safety
Worker At Newark Airport Slugged Customs Officer In Face: Police
Police: The fight took place when the Essex County man attempted to exit a plane at an airport gate and the customs agent asked for his ID.
NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County man working at Newark Airport allegedly slugged a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer in the face during an argument Terminal C last weekend, Port Authority of NY/NJ police say.
Police said that Thomas Hodge Jr., 22, of Irvington, attempted to exit a jetway at an airport gate around 7 p.m. when a customs officer stopped him and asked for identification. Hodge Jr. allegedly cursed at the officer and “assumed a fighting stance,” then punched him in the face.
Nearby officers immediately restrained and arrested Hodge Jr. Police charged him with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and obstructing administration of law.
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The customs officer sustained a large cut on the cheek. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital where he received eight stitches, authorities said.
At the time of the alleged assault, Hodge Jr. was employed with Air-Serve, a civilian contractor working inside the airport, authorities said.
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File Photo: Port Authority
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