Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Robert R. Piel Jr. (23) of Bayonne, N.J. on multiple criminal charges to include two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, eluding police, possession of a weapon (the vehicle), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (the vehicle), receiving stolen property and hindering apprehension. Also arrested was Madeline Rodriguez (25) of Jersey City, N.J. for hindering apprehension and joyriding. The arrests of both suspects occurred on October 20, 2021.
The initial incident that gave rise to the charges being filed against the pair began on October 17, 2021. On that date, at approximately 11:37 PM, it is alleged that a 2005 gray Nissan Altima was travelling east on Route 46 when it went past a Fairfield police license plate reader which indicated that the license plate on the vehicle was allegedly reported stolen. At this time, Fairfield officers began searching the highway in an attempt to locate the vehicle.
It is alleged that Corporal Jeffrey Dean and Officer David DeCarlo located the vehicle stopped and running at the curb, in front of Dave and Buster’s located in the Willowbrook Mall. At this time, the officers converged on the suspect vehicle and attempted to block it from fleeing. Corporal Dean was able to plainly observe the driver, later identified as Piel and front seat passenger, later identified as Rodriguez. Officer DeCarlo exited his vehicle and ordered the occupants out of the vehicle. It is alleged that Piel revved the engine of the Nissan and shot forward at a high rate of speed and deliberately struck Corporal Dean’s police vehicle. The Nissan then reversed, at a high rate of speed almost hitting Officer DeCarlo. It then struck Officer DeCarlo’s police vehicle. In doing so, it made enough space to allow the Nissan to now flee the seen onto Route 46 East with the officers in pursuit. The pursuit was discontinued in Little Falls with the Nissan and the pair getting away.
As a result of further investigation by Fairfield police detectives, Piel was positively identified as the driver and a warrant for his arrest was issued. It was also determined that Piel already had active warrants for his arrest issued by the New Jersey State Police.
On October 20, 2021, at approximately 9:00 AM, the Nissan was located on 15th Avenue in Irvington, N.J. by members of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force. Fairfield detectives were notified and also responded to the location in order to search for Piel and serve the arrest warrant. It is alleged that officers located him in an apartment near where the vehicle was located.
As officers executed the warrant, it is alleged that Piel attempted to flee from them by jumping out of a window. He was ultimately arrested and then taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained after jumping out the window. Rodriguez, who was also present in the apartment, was identified as the passenger in the car and was also arrested.
Fairfield detectives are continuing the investigation relative to the origin on how Piel obtained the Nissan. The case is now being referred to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for prosecution.
(It should be noted that the charges against Piel and Rodriguez are merely allegations and that both are presumed innocent until either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law)
Authorized by: Chief Anthony Manna
