NORTH BERGEN – Six bar patrons, two of whom were allegedly involved in a robbery, turned on officers who were at a bar assisting with closing on Tuesday night, according to the Detective Bureau Lt. Frank Cannella. The group consisted of two females and four males.
Cannella said that Ingrid Cruz and Jose Argueta, respectively 30 and 35 years old, of North Bergen and Union City, allegedly robbed two patrons of their car keys at knife point at a bar on Kennedy Blvd.
Officer Vincent Queiro, who was performing the bar closing check call, was approached by two victims, Cannella said. Queiro called for backup, and then attempted to stop all individuals who were walking away, said Cannella.
Fredys Mejia Moreno, 23, allegedly turned to Queiro and said “shoot me,” said Cannella. Queiro told him to stop several times before drawing his weapon and repeating that he should stop, but then holstered his weapon when Fredys and another individual, Juan Meija Moreno, of North Bergen, allegedly attacked him, said Cannella.
Juan then allegedly grabbed Queiro’s microphone and tried to stop him from calling for more backup before Felix Meija Ferman, 24, of Guttenberg allegedly joined in the attack.
Cannella said that Cruz, along with Blanca Cruz Meija of North Bergen, obstructed officers during the attack.
He also said that the knife used in the alleged robbery was recovered.
Queiro sustained cuts and bruises to his hands and wrists and was treated at police headquarters for his injuries.
Fredys and Juan were both charged with aggravated assault to a law enforcement official, attempting to disarm a police officer, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Their bails were set at $75,000 and $50,000 respectively, with no bail bond option.
Felix was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement official, resisting arrest, obstruction, and exhibiting a false driver’s license. His bail was set at $20,000 with no bail bond option.
Argueta was charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and his bail was set at $50,000 with no bail bond option.
Ingrid was charged with robbery, obstruction, along with a failure to appear out of Atlantic City, and her bail was set at $50,000 with no bail bond option.
Lastly, Blanca was charged with obstruction and her bail was set at $25,000 with no bail bond option.