Five arrested after fight at Hoboken short-term rental, city plans new Airbnb rules
Hoboken police responded to the property in the 500 block of Garden Street around 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, after receiving reports of a disturbance.
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Five people, including a 17-year-old, have been arrested following a fight at a short-term rental property on Garden Street in Hoboken that left several victims with serious bodily injuries, according to city officials.
Hoboken police responded to the property in the 500 block of Garden Street around 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, after receiving reports of a disturbance. Officers found an adult victim of an aggravated assault on the sidewalk, according to an updated statement from the Hoboken Police Department.
During the investigation, authorities received information indicating a person might be barricaded inside the property with potential hostages. The Hudson County Regional SWAT Team responded and ultimately determined there were no hostages inside. The property was then cleared.
Four adults were arrested, according to officials. Oscar Cuatlacuatl-Xique, 18, of Longworth, Indiana, was charged with aggravated assault and prohibited weapons and devices. Erick Rojas-Ahuatl, 20, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was charged with aggravated assault. Ismael Cuatlacuatl-Xique, 19, of Longworth, Indiana, was charged with aggravated assault. Omar Ponce-Simon, 19, of West New York, was charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.
A 17-year-old from West New York was also charged with juvenile delinquency for aggravated assault.
All four adults were processed at Hoboken Police Headquarters and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Hoboken officials previously said the incident involved a party at the Airbnb where a dispute escalated into a fight. The case remains under active joint investigation by the Hoboken Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities have not released additional information about the victims.
The incident has also prompted city officials to move forward with proposed regulations for short-term rentals.
Mayor Emily Jabbour said the property was a rent-controlled apartment and had a history of complaints, including issues involving noise and sanitation.
The proposed ordinance would establish safety standards and a registration process for short-term rentals, prohibit rent-controlled units from being used as short-term rentals and limit eligible properties to 60 rental days per year.
Jabbour said the registration process would help the city identify property owners and establish a point of contact if a public safety issue arises.
The mayor also said the city plans to share information about the incident with Airbnb and work to address residents’ concerns about the property.
The ordinance is expected to be introduced at Wednesday evening’s City Council meeting. City officials said the proposed language would be made available for public review.
