A Union City police sergeant was arrested and charged for filing a false police report, authorities say.
The Hudson County Prosecutors Office says 49-year-old Ruben Rodriguez reported last August that he was injured during an encounter with someone at the Union City Police Department. That person was then charged with aggravated assault.
However, officials say a review of records revealed that the report was incorrect and that the assault did not occur.
Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini released a statement following the incident that said, “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. 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.“
Rodriquez was arrested on Jan. 2 and charged with one count of false reports to a law enforcement authority. He has since been released pending his first court appearance, which is set for Jan. 21.