Three Port Authority Police officers were hurt early Sunday morning while attempting to catch a suspect in a series of armed carjackings on the George Washington Bridge, officials said.
The defendant is also accused of crashing into a building before fleeing the scene. The Bergen County prosecutor’s office says the incident began around 2:30 a.m. at a Wendy’s on Route 46 in South Hackensack, when suspect Uvaldo Gonzalez, 42, reportedly crashed into the establishment.
According to investigators, the automobile was stolen during an armed carjacking in New York City, however, it is unclear when that occurred.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Gonzalez attempted but failed to steal another vehicle after slamming into the Wendy’s. Then they took a Toyota Sienna at knifepoint.
Exclusive camera footage shows a man walking quietly and raising his hood as he approaches the minivan in the Wendy’s drive-thru line. Next, he drags the driver out of the vehicle, climbs in, and races away before the police arrive.
About 20 minutes later, the Port Authority claims police received a call reporting that someone on the George Washington Bridge was driving erratically with one tire gone. Officers discovered the Toyota Sienna broken down on the bridge.
According to the Port Authority Police Union, one officer responded to Gonzalez’s vehicle near the Fort Lee bridge’s upper-level onramp.
Gonzalez exited the truck and began banging on the officer’s car, according to the union. The officer relocated his vehicle, and Gonzalez allegedly attempted to take another responding officer’s police vehicle.
According to the union, when the officer attempted to stop him, Gonzalez stabbed him many times with a knife.
According to the union, the officer suffered lacerations to his head and face, as well as a fractured hand, while two other police sustained shoulder injuries. All three officers were treated at a nearby hospital and released.
According to the police union, Gonzalez attempted to open the doors of automobiles in traffic as they approached the GWB.
Gonzalez was ultimately arrested. According to the Port Authority, he has been arrested 17 times before, including for burglary, narcotics, criminal trespass, and violence. He also has two active warrants, one from the NYPD and the other from the New York State Department of Correction.
According to the Port Authority, Gonzalez, a Bronx resident, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and receiving stolen property. Officials said he is being evaluated at Hackensack University Medical Center before being arraigned.