Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez, 49, of the Union City Police, has been charged with a fourth-degree crime of false reporting to a law enforcement authority, according to Suarez’s statement.
He was apprehended at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and subsequently released on the condition that he appear in court for the first time on Tuesday, January 21st.
On August 8th, 2024, Rodriguez sustained injuries during a confrontation with an individual at the Union City Police Department. The individual responsible for the incident has since been charged with aggravated assault.
Upon reviewing the records, it became evident that Rodriguez had made an error in his report, as it was found that the assault did not actually take place.
The HCPO Internal Affairs Unit took the lead in the investigation, working closely with the Union City Police Department Internal Affairs Unit. After being informed of the charge, the Union City PD promptly suspended Rodriguez, as per authorities.
“The Union City Police Department is cooperating with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office investigation. The Union City Police Department is committed to upholding the highest levels of integrity in our service to the public we are sworn to protect,” added Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini.
“Through our recurring public safety meetings and our community outreach, we strive to extend ourselves to the public and put into action our continuous dedication to Compassion, Proficiency and Respect.”
According to his LinkedIn page, Rodriguez joined the Union City PD in March 2000, following brief periods as a Hudson County corrections and sheriff’s officer.