FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
TWITTER: @HCPOProsecutor
WEB: hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org
DATE: Friday, January 12, 2018
PROSECUTOR’S INVESTIGATION INTO AUDUBON PARK INCIDENT LEADS TO CHARGES AGAINST JERSEY CITY POLICE OFFICER
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:
On January 12, 2018, the Internal Affairs Unit of the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor arrested Jersey City Police Sgt. John Ransom for his involvement in an incident in Audubon Park in Jersey City that occurred in August.
A Complaint-Summons has been issued charging Ransom with one count of Assault by Auto Causing Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(1), a fourth-degree crime. Ransom is scheduled to make his First Appearance on this charge at 10:00 a.m. on February 2, 2018, in CJP Court located in the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.
“Officers who abuse their power and break the law will be held accountable for their actions,” said Prosecutor Suarez. “The Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor will continue to vigorously investigate and root out police misconduct and wrongdoing.”
Shortly after 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2017, Jersey City Police Officers were investigating an incident involving suspected Controlled Dangerous Substances. They attempted to stop a suspect, later identified as Shiron Cooper, who fled the scene. Cooper ran into Audubon Park. Sgt. Ransom followed in his patrol car and then allegedly struck Cooper twice while driving his vehicle. The incident was recorded with surveillance cameras.
Cooper sustained abrasions, contusions, and lacerations to his torso and head, as well as a fracture to his face. He was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Cooper was arrested and later pleaded guilty on Accusation to Possession of CDS charges. Cooper was sentenced to two years of probation on September 29, 2017.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).