BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — A 31-year-old Asbury man has been charged after authorities say he advanced toward a Bernards Township police officer with a knife before the officer shot him Monday afternoon.
Jake Smolinsky was charged with second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose following the June 29 incident on Mountainview Boulevard, according to Somerset County First Assistant Prosecutor Annemarie L. Mueller, Acting Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay and Bernards Township Police Chief Timothy King.
Police were dispatched at approximately 3:30 p.m. after receiving a 911 text requesting a welfare check for a man who was reportedly bleeding and possibly intoxicated.
Officers located Smolinsky seated in the driver’s seat of a Subaru sedan and observed that he was armed with a knife, authorities said.
According to prosecutors, officers spent more than 30 minutes attempting to persuade Smolinsky to exit the vehicle, drop the knife and accept medical assistance for visible injuries.
Authorities said Smolinsky refused to comply with officers’ commands. During the encounter, he allegedly told officers to “put one right here” while pointing to his head.
Prosecutors said Smolinsky then exited the vehicle and walked toward a Bernards Township police officer while pointing the knife at the officer. As he continued advancing, the officer fired one shot, striking Smolinsky in the abdomen.
Officers immediately rendered first aid before Smolinsky was transported to an area hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to investigate. The investigation remains ongoing.
Smolinsky was served with the criminal complaint at the hospital. Upon his release, he will be lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a court hearing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100, the Bernards Township Police Department at 908-766-1122, submit an anonymous tip through the STOPit app using access code SOMERSETNJ, call the Somerset County tip line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477), or visit SCPO.TIPS.
