SOMERVILLE, NJ (Somerset County) – A Union County man was convicted by a jury last week for assaulting a North Plainfield police officer with his dirt bike, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
On Sept. 13, following a week-long trial, a Somerset County Jury convicted Victor Ogando-Marte, 39, of Plainfield of third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree resisting arrest, and inflicting bodily injury with a deadly weapon, authorities said.
On April 13, 2022, the Ogando-Marte was driving an illegal dirt bike on Route 22 in North Plainfield, along with approximately 15-20 other riders. Testimony revealed that, during rush hour, the dirt bike pack was driving recklessly by weaving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies, and obstructing the passage of other vehicles, official said.
Near the intersection of Rock Avenue, Officer James Kirchner of the North Plainfield Police Department attempted to apprehend Ogando-Marte, the prosecutor’s office said.
During this attempted arrest, Ogando-Marte inflicted bodily injury on the officer using the dirt bike – dragging him from the shoulder into the middle of the highway. Once on the ground, he actively resisted arrest, while other dirt bikers circled and attacked the officer, authorities said.
“Thanks to the intervention of Good Samaritans, 911 callers, off-duty police officers, and responding backup, the Ogando-Marte was ultimately subdued. The remaining dirt bikes fled the scene,” officials said.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 1, at which time the Ogando-Marte faces up to five years in New Jersey State Prison.
