Pair charged after roadway dispute escalates into fight in Sussex County, police say

FRANKLIN BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) —A Franklin Borough pair was charged following a physical altercation in the roadway that disrupted traffic and alarmed bystanders, police said on Monday.

Matthew Hnyda, 32, and Miranda Hnyda, 29, both of Franklin Borough, were charged Jan. 30 after an investigation into a Jan. 26 fight on Church Street in Franklin Borough, according to police.

Patrol officers responded to a report of a fight in progress in the roadway and arrived to find multiple individuals engaged in a physical confrontation. Officers separated those involved and began an investigation.

Police said a review of surveillance footage from nearby properties showed that Miranda Hnyda had stopped a vehicle in the lane of travel. Matthew Hnyda was then seen exiting the vehicle, and both individuals allegedly initiated a confrontation with people who were clearing snow from a nearby property.

The dispute escalated into a physical altercation, creating a hazard for passing motorists and causing public alarm, authorities said.

Miranda Hnyda was charged with disorderly conduct, a petty disorderly persons offense; maintaining a nuisance, a local ordinance violation; and related motor vehicle summonses.

Matthew Hnyda was charged with disorderly conduct and simple assault, both petty disorderly persons offenses, as well as maintaining a nuisance, a local ordinance violation.

Both were released pending an appearance in Sussex County Superior Court in accordance with the New Jersey Bail Reform Act, police said.