Crime & Safety
2 Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Dragged 250 Yards
Breaking: Bryan Ortigoza, Alex Juarez and a juvenile, assaulted a man and dragged him on Beechwood Drive in Hillsdale, authorities said.
HILLSDALE, NJ — Two people have been charged with attempted murder after they allegedly assaulted and dragged a man through the street Feb. 13, authorities said.
Bryan Ortigoza and Alex Juarez, both 19 and of Nutley, were charged with attempted murder and a 17-year-old juvenile was charged with criminal complaints, said acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo.
Ortigoza and Juarez were arrested following an investigation by the Hillsdale and Nutley police departments and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.
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Hillsdale Police received a 911 call from a Catherine Court resident about an injured man lying in the road, Calo said.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the man was physically assaulted, thrown from a vehicle and then dragged more than 250 yards by the vehicle from Beechwood Drive; then the vehicle, and the individuals fled the scene, Calo said.
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The man suffered severe, life-threatening injuries, including a broken neck and a cerebral hemorrhage. He was airlifted to an area hospital in critical condition, where he remains, Calo said.
Ortigoza was arrested Feb. 14 after authorities searched his home and the vehicle he used during the assault, Calo said.
The juvenile was arrested Friday after authorities searched his home and Juarez was arrested Tuesday after officials searched his home, Calo said. Juarez was later found and taken into custody.
Ortigoza and Juarez were each charged with first-degree attempted murder and second-degree aggravated assault.
The juvenile was charged with juvenile delinquency complaints, which would amount to attempted murder and aggravated assault charges if he were an adult.
Ortigoza and Juarez were remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing Monday.
The juvenile was remanded to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center pending a hearing March 6.
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Photos, from left: Bryan Ortigoza and Alex Juarez, both 19 and of Nutley
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