South Hackensack, NJ — A 47-year-old car wash employee was punched in the face during a dispute over a $7 wash fee, and the man accused of the assault has now surrendered to police and remains jailed, authorities said. The incident began as a disagreement over an expired membership at a South Hackensack car wash and escalated into violence, followed by an alleged attempt to drive toward the victim.
Seung Moon, 54, of Englewood, turned himself in on Tuesday, April 28, weeks after police obtained a warrant charging him with third-degree aggravated assault, according to the South Hackensack Police Department.
Dispute over expired membership turns violent
The confrontation happened on February 24 at the “Stop & Shine” car wash, where the employee informed Moon that his monthly membership had expired.
South Hackensack Police Capt. James Donatello said the worker offered two options: pay $7 for a single wash or renew the membership.
Instead, investigators say Moon began yelling profanities, exited his vehicle, and followed the employee through the parking lot before punching her in the face.
A co-worker intervened, stopping the attack, but the situation escalated further as Moon returned to his vehicle.
Alleged attempt to strike victim with car
According to police, Moon then drove his car toward the victim as he left the scene. He did not strike her and fled the area.
Emergency responders were called, but the employee declined medical attention at the scene.
Officer Damian Colon led the investigation, which resulted in an arrest warrant issued on March 8 charging Moon with aggravated assault against a retail worker performing her job duties.
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Key Points
• Englewood man accused of punching car wash employee during dispute over $7 fee
• Suspect allegedly drove toward victim before fleeing scene
• Arrest warrant issued in March; suspect surrendered April 28 and remains jailed
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Arrest and prior history
Police said Moon surrendered at South Hackensack Police Headquarters and is now being held at the Bergen County Jail pending his first court appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Authorities also noted that Moon had a prior arrest in November 2021 in Palisades Park for making terroristic threats.
Case status
The aggravated assault charge reflects protections for workers targeted while performing their jobs, a factor prosecutors may consider as the case moves forward.
Moon remains in custody awaiting his initial court appearance, and no additional charges have been announced at this time.