Man accused of swinging hammer at ICE officers during South Jersey traffic stop
Federal prosecutors say the 27-year-old man climbed onto a truck door and swung a hammer at two ICE officers during an Oct. 4 operation in Gibbsboro.
A 27-year-old Honduran man has been charged with assaulting federal officers after allegedly swinging a hammer at two immigration officers during an operation in Gibbsboro, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Reinieri De Jesus Licona Amador was arrested Monday in connection with the Oct. 4 incident, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey.
Prosecutors said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers stopped a truck driven by Licona Amador after checking its license plate and determining from immigration records that he was in the United States unlawfully.
As officers approached, Licona Amador allegedly reached into a tool container in the back seat and retrieved a hammer.
Prosecutors said he ignored commands from officers, climbed out of the passenger side of the truck and swung the hammer multiple times at two ICE officers.
Officers used pepper spray, subdued Licona Amador and arrested him, according to prosecutors.
Licona Amador appeared Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal in Camden federal court.
The charge of assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
