FLORENCE, N.J. — A 16-year-old boy from Virginia is facing a slate of criminal charges after allegedly slamming a stolen vehicle into a police cruiser and attempting to stab officers during a violent encounter on a New Jersey highway.
Key Points
- The teen allegedly struck a police cruiser multiple times before fleeing on foot.
- One officer was injured with knife wounds to the face and torso.
- The suspect is being held at a juvenile detention center in North Brunswick.
According to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident began around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21, when a Florence Township police officer responded to an overturned vehicle. While at the scene, the officer’s cruiser was intentionally rammed several times by another vehicle.
Authorities said the teen’s vehicle became disabled on Route 130 near Station Road. He then exited the car and charged at responding officers while armed with a knife, lunging at them in what prosecutors described as an aggressive attack.
One officer sustained injuries to his face and a laceration to his torso while managing to disarm the suspect. Two additional officers were treated for injuries and later released.
The juvenile has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, two counts of third-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and multiple related offenses, according to prosecutors.
He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center in North Brunswick as the investigation continues.
The teen’s name has not been released due to his age.