ICYMI - Plainfield man convicted for third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – On November 22, 2024, Defendant Victor Ogando-Marte, age 39, currently of Plainfield, NJ, was sentenced to three-hundred and sixty-four days in jail on his conviction for third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree resisting arrest, and disorderly persons inflicting bodily injury with a deadly weapon. At sentencing, Judge Peter J. Tober, P.J. Cr., noted the strong need to deter this defendant and others from engaging in this type of conduct.

On April 13, 2022, the Defendant was driving an illegal dirt bike on Route 22 in North Plainfield, along with approximately 15-20 others. Testimony revealed that, during rush hour, the dirt bike pack was driving recklessly by weaving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies, and obstructing the passage of other vehicles. Near the intersection of Rock Avenue, Officer James Kirchner of the North Plainfield Police Department attempted to apprehend the Defendant. During this attempted arrest, the Defendant inflicted bodily injury on the officer using the dirt bike – dragging him from the shoulder into the middle of the highway. Once on the ground, the Defendant actively resisted arrest, while other dirt bikers circled and attacked the officer. Thanks to the intervention of Good Samaritans, 911 callers, off-duty police officers, and responding backup, the Defendant was ultimately subdued. The remaining dirt bikes fled the scene.

On September 13, 2024, a Somerset County Jury convicted Ogando-Marte of third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree resisting arrest, and disorderly persons inflicting bodily injury with a deadly weapon. At sentencing, Judge Peter J. Tober, P.J. Cr., also found the Defendant guilty of disorderly persons hindering, disorderly persons obstruction, and a number of motor vehicle offenses. During trial, the State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Ryan A. Quiñones, with the assistance of Litigation Paralegal Tiffany Gordon.

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