UNION CITY, N.J. — A Union City police sergeant was arrested Tuesday on charges of filing a false report after claiming he was assaulted during an encounter at the police department last year, authorities said.
Ruben Rodriguez, 49, is facing one count of false reporting to a law enforcement authority, a fourth-degree crime under New Jersey law, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Rodriguez was taken into custody at the prosecutor’s office and later released pending a court appearance set for Jan. 21.
The charges stem from an incident on Aug. 8, 2024, when Rodriguez reported being injured during a confrontation at the Union City Police Department. His report led to the individual involved being charged with aggravated assault. A subsequent review of records, however, determined the alleged assault did not occur, prosecutors said.
The investigation was conducted by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit with assistance from Union City Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit. Rodriguez was suspended by the Union City Police Department following notification of the charge.
Authorities emphasized that the charge is an accusation and Rodriguez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The allegations raise serious concerns about accountability within law enforcement ranks in Union City.