The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office recently issued an indictment against a Woodbridge man who allegedly attacked two officers from the Asbury Park Police Department. The man, who is accused of stabbing one officer and attempting to disarm another, is now facing charges for attempted murder, weapons offenses, and resisting arrest.
On Thursday, March 19th, 22-year-old Woodbridge resident Oswaldo Torres Quiroz was indicted in Monmouth County Superior Court in connection with an incident that occurred in late September. Specifically, the altercation began when Quiroz was approached by Asbury Park Police Officers at approximately 9:20 a.m. on September 29th, after officials received a report of a disorderly man in the vicinity.
The victims, Asbury Park officers Carl Christie and Johnny Washington, reportedly arrived at the scene to find Quiroz in possession of a steak knife. He allegedly attacked Officer Christie with the knife as the officer attempted to disarm him. Then, Quiroz was shot in the abdomen after allegedly attempting to take Officer Washington’s firearm.
Following a surgical procedure to repair his abdominal injuries, Quiroz was transported to the Monmouth County Jail, where he remains held in lieu of bail amounting to $735,000 with no 10 percent option. As for the officers, both were released after receiving medical care.
Now, Quiroz is facing a hefty indictment, which includes charges for attempted murder, disarming a law enforcement officer, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, resisting arrest, and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon. Among the crimes for which he is accused, attempted murder is clearly the most egregious. However, the severity of the weapons charges should not be underestimated.
For example, under New Jersey Law, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon are extremely serious crimes, with the degree of the specific charge contingent upon the weapon involved in the alleged offense. Both of these crimes are typically considered third-degree felonies when the weapon in question is a knife. As such, Quiroz may be faced with a term of imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years in connection with each weapons count for which he is convicted.
For additional information regarding this case, access the following article: Indictment: Man tried to kill one cop, disarm another