Former Hoboken police officer arrested after violent home invasion with bat in Bergenfield
A man traveled to a residence to confront a 52-year-old acquaintance
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A former Hoboken police officer who previously served time in prison for defrauding victims of Superstorm Sandy is back in custody Friday morning, accused of a violent home invasion.
Bergenfield Police responded to the area of Phelps Avenue around 5:55 p.m. after receiving reports of an altercation involving a baseball bat.
According to investigators, 52-year-old Nikola Lulaj traveled to the residence to confront a 52-year-old male acquaintance over an ongoing issue. Police say Lulaj kicked open the front door of the victim’s home, sparking a physical struggle.
In an effort to protect himself and his children, the victim confronted Lulaj with a baseball bat. The victim attempted to retreat back into the house to shield the children, but Lulaj allegedly gained control of the bat and followed them inside.
Lulaj used the bat to smash through the front door and a window to re-enter the home, causing lacerations to both the father and his two children, police said.
When officers arrived, they found a group of males in the roadway. The Bergenfield Ambulance Corps was called to treat several people for minor injuries, but they all refused medical attention.
Lulaj was arrested at the scene, and the bat used in the assault was recovered as evidence. He now faces a string of charges, including burglary through home invasion, aggravated assault, and criminal mischief. Additionally, he was charged with endangering another person, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
Lulaj was transported to the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center pending a court appearance.
