1 Charged With Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Aggravated Assault on Cranford Police
An Essex County man was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated assault on law enforcement during a police investigation on South Avenue on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
At approximately 11:55 PM, police discovered a stolen and occupied 2013 Nissan Rogue parked in a business in the 200 block of South Avenue East. During the investigation, initiated by Officer Jack Korzeneski, the vehicle’s occupant, Woodberlens Jules, 24, of Newark, NJ, was arrested following a violent struggle with the officers.
While in police custody, Jules remained physically combative, spitting on several officers. During transport to the hospital, he assaulted and injured another officer from the Cranford Police Department.
Chief Matthew Nazzaro commended the actions of all officers involved in this investigation, while addressing events leading to an officer being injured. “Resisting or assaulting a law enforcement officer is unacceptable, and we will pursue anyone who commits these acts to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Jules was charged with receiving stolen property, aggravated assault on law enforcement, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension, and refusal to submit fingerprints. At the time of his arrest, Woodberlens Jules was taken to Essex County Jail, where he is awaiting a detention hearing.
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Release by D/Lt. Spencer Durkin
s-durkin@cranfordnj.org / 908-709-7346