‘No one came to help us’ – Customers attacked inside NJ Walmart

A Bronx woman is facing charges after she allegedly went on a rampage and attacked several people inside of a Walmart in Hudson County.

News 12 Staff

Feb 4, 2019, 11:12 PM

Updated 1,913 days ago

Share:

A Bronx woman is facing charges after she allegedly went on a rampage and attacked several people inside of a Walmart in Hudson County.
The attack happened Sunday afternoon inside the Walmart on 88th Street in North Bergen.
Carolyn Cuellar tells News 12 New Jersey that she and her mother Maria were shopping at the store Sunday after just having lunch. She says that she was at the customer service desk when she was assaulted by another woman in what appears to be a random attack.
“I felt my head hit the wall and all I remember feeling was panic, like ‘She’s trying to kill me,’” Cuellar says.
North Bergen police say that 39-year old Imani Jones was at the Walmart trying to return some clothing. But her request was refused. That's when police say that she pushed the register on to an employee and pepper-sprayed three employees, Cuellar, her mother and another customer.
Carolyn Cuellar suffered a concussion when Jones allegedly grabbed her and slammed her head against the wall inside the Walmart.
"I couldn't move. She just pinned me after she kept hitting my head. And I felt her hand and just like [claw at my face,]” Cuellar says.
Cuellar’s mother Maria says that she tried to pull Jones off of her daughter, while also yelling for security to come help. But she said that no one came.
"I was powerless and helpless,” says Maria. "No one came to help us. Not even Walmart people."
Police say that Jones eventually left the customer service area and went to another part of the store and held a man at knifepoint.
Jones was finally subdued after being pepper-sprayed herself. It apparently took four officers to take her down, according to officials.
Cuellar says that she was traumatized, but thankful that her mother was with her and not her two children.
"Had my mother not been there to hold her hands maybe she would have had time to take out that knife,” says Cuellar.
Jones was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, making terroristic threats and possession of a weapon.
News 12 New Jersey reached out to Walmart for comment on the incident and store security, but calls were not returned.


More from News 12
2:13
Police: Explosion, fire at Old Bridge business kills 73-year-old woman, severely injures 4 others

Police: Explosion, fire at Old Bridge business kills 73-year-old woman, severely injures 4 others

2:07
Summer feeling today in New Jersey with temps in the mid-80s; cooler weather arrives Friday

Summer feeling today in New Jersey with temps in the mid-80s; cooler weather arrives Friday

0:29
Rutgers New Brunswick postpones some final exams due to ‘anticipated escalation of protest activities’

Rutgers New Brunswick postpones some final exams due to ‘anticipated escalation of protest activities’

1:53
News 12 beats the heat today at Long Branch beach

News 12 beats the heat today at Long Branch beach

0:35
Prosecutors: NJ couple pleads guilty to starting illegal marijuana service and employing their son

Prosecutors: NJ couple pleads guilty to starting illegal marijuana service and employing their son

0:24
Should former inmates be allowed to serve on juries in New Jersey? Gov. Murphy says yes

Should former inmates be allowed to serve on juries in New Jersey? Gov. Murphy says yes

0:29
Unruly passenger ordered to pay over $20,000 for interfering with flight from London to Newark

Unruly passenger ordered to pay over $20,000 for interfering with flight from London to Newark

0:20
Authorities: 2 women, 1 man stabbed in altercation at Newark McDonald's

Authorities: 2 women, 1 man stabbed in altercation at Newark McDonald's

0:19
FBI offering $5,000 reward for info on Paterson bank robbery suspect

FBI offering $5,000 reward for info on Paterson bank robbery suspect

0:24
Cape May County lifeguards file lawsuit against Avalon to get pension

Cape May County lifeguards file lawsuit against Avalon to get pension

0:47
Learn to make candles at Urban Glo in Union

Learn to make candles at Urban Glo in Union

8:09
Fire officials: Large tractor-trailer fire closes I-95 between exits 15 and 14

Fire officials: Large tractor-trailer fire closes I-95 between exits 15 and 14

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:39
Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

2:21
Lacey Township officials address residents’ concerns about water quality issues

Lacey Township officials address residents’ concerns about water quality issues

0:30
Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

0:18
Officials: 14 injured when NJ Transit bus collides with Jeep in Jersey City

Officials: 14 injured when NJ Transit bus collides with Jeep in Jersey City

0:43
Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals

Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals

0:39
Mother who accused Marlboro teacher of molesting daughter files lawsuit

Mother who accused Marlboro teacher of molesting daughter files lawsuit

1:01
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show to return to the Hudson River

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show to return to the Hudson River