Cop-slashing case in Hoboken headed for grand jury

Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 3:00 AM
By Michaelangelo Conte/The Jersey Journal

The case against three men charged with slashing and pepper-spraying four men, including two off-duty Jersey City police officers, in Hoboken will be presented to a grand jury as early as next month, officials said.

Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Leo Hernandez said earlier this month that a trial could be scheduled for early next year in the prosecution of Newark residents Kasib Goode, 29, and 32-year-old Malik James and Ivan Young.

The three are charged with attacking Jersey City off-duty officers Clarence Dabney and Damien Wright, both 30, as well as two Jersey City men, ages 30 and 35, on Jan. 22 outside Washington Street?s bar Nine.

While inside Nine, the victims were chatting with women at the bar, which triggered a confrontation with the other group of men, police said.

Bar staff escorted the suspects out at closing time and when the victims exited the bar, they were attacked by the men, who were armed with at least one razor blade and irritant spray, officials allege.

Dabney was the most seriously injured and doctors used stitches and staples to close a gash across his face, police said.

Goode and James each face four counts of aggravated assault, as well as weapons offenses, Rinaldi said, adding that Young is charged with one count of aggravated assault, as well as weapons offenses.

The warrant issued for Young?s arrest last month lists him as unapprehended, Rinaldi said.