UPS Driver Attacked With Knife In South Jersey: Police

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ — A man attacked a UPS driver with a knife after the victim declined to give him a ride, authorities said.

Monroe Township police were dispatched Wednesday afternoon to an apartment for a reported assault against another victim. When officers arrived, the caller advised that the suspect left the unit and jumped inside a UPS truck outside the S Building of the Madison Court Apartments.

Ptl. Roy Pierson approached a slowly moving UPS truck, which hit a curb and stopped — partially in the grass. Pierson entered the truck as the suspect, Ernest Peterson, was on top of the UPS driver and attempting to stab the victim with a knife, authorities said.

Peterson resisted arrest in the truck before Pierson physically removed him, police said. He was then arrested without further incident.

The UPS driver was brought to Jefferson Hospital for treatment of minor lacerations above his right eye and back.

Police recovered a knife at the scene.

The victim told police that Peterson entered the UPS truck and insisted on a ride to the front of the complex. The driver declined because of company policy and deliveries he needed to make. As a result, Peterson brandished a knife and attacked the victim, police said.

Peterson, 50, of Sicklerville, was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and resisting arrest.

Any additional witnesses can contact Monroe Police Det. Josh Sheppard at 856-728-9800 ext. 594 or jsheppard@monroetwppd.org.