16 Members of Hamilton Police Department Honored for Actions After Violent 2017 Carjacking

NEWARK, NJ - 16 members of the Hamilton Police Department, including 12 active and four retired, were recognized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office earlier this week for their work on a case involving a 2017 violent carjacking incident.

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The incident, which took place on December 16, 2017, left two victims with serious gunshot injuries. On that date, a statement reflected, Hamilton Police responded, just before 9:30 p.m., to the 2300 block of South Broad  Street after a 53-year-old woman reported that she had just parked her car when the defendant, Cedrick Hodges, entered the rear passenger seat and pointed a loaded sawed-off shotgun at her and demanded that she operate the vehicle. The driver then exited the vehicle and ran. At that point, Hodges discharged the shotgun towards her as she fled.

Hodges then approached a Honda Accord occupied by a driver and one passenger. The suspect pointed the shotgun at the driver’s window, demanding that the driver and passenger exit the vehicle. When the driver refused, and instead began to drive the vehicle away from Hodges, Hodges discharged the shotgun into the driver’s side window, striking the driver in his torso, causing permanent and serious bodily injury. Hodges then fled the area.

Several minutes later, while on Lafayette Avenue, Hodges approached a man who was entering a Nissan Rogue, demanding that the man hand Hodges the keys. When the man refused, Hodges brandished the shotgun and discharged the firearm at the man, striking him in the upper arm.

At this point Sgt. Ligato, now a Lieutenant with the force, arrived and witnessed the shooting occur. Upon seeing Sgt. Ligato, Hodges fled on foot. Sgt. Ligato broadcast Hodges’ description and location of Hodges, then rendered life-saving aid to this victim by applying a tourniquet to the victim’s arm. As Hodges was fleeing, Sgt. Robert Colletti observed him running across South Broad Street. After a foot pursuit and with the assistance of other officers on scene, Hodges was placed under arrest without further incident. Officers later found the sawed-off shotgun in an alley between Lafayette Avenue and South Broad Street.

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Hodges was subsequently convicted of several crimes, including carjacking and remains in jail awaiting federal sentencing which is scheduled for later this year.

“The officers of the Hamilton Police Division who responded to this incident conducted themselves in a heroic fashion and demonstrated the teamwork necessary to bring this incident to a successful conclusion. I am proud of all of the officers involved and commend them as well for their efforts that evening,” Chief Kenneth R. DeBoskey said. “This was one of the most critical incidents that Hamilton Township has experienced in recent years, and the residents of Hamilton can be assured that the officers in our Division are willing to go to these lengths to ensure the safety of its citizens.”

In addition to Lt. Ligato and Sgt. Colletti, also recognized were Sgt. Edward Lugo, Sgt. Bryan Gadsby, Det. Christopher Pullen, Det. Patrick Guido, Det. James Rickey, Ofc.  Christopher DiMeo, Ofc. Sean Mattis, Ofc. Ryan Burger, Ofc. Jeffrey Galant, Ofc. Richard Piotrowski, Retired Lt. Ralph Fiasco, Retired Det. James Scott, Retired Det. Lawrence MacArthur, and Retired Det. David Marshall.

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