HACKENSACK, N.J. – A 34-year-old Hackensack man has been arrested on charges of child endangerment and aggravated assault after authorities say he repeatedly struck a juvenile during an incident earlier this week.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced that Elijah E. Holder was taken into custody Wednesday in Bergenfield following a joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Hackensack Police Department.
The case began after the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency contacted investigators on Tuesday to report an alleged assault involving a juvenile victim.
Key Points
- Elijah E. Holder, 34, of Hackensack, charged with endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault.
- Authorities say he repeatedly struck a juvenile during an incident in Hackensack.
- Holder was arrested in Bergenfield and remains in custody pending a court appearance.
Investigation led by prosecutor’s special victims unit
Detectives determined that Holder physically assaulted the juvenile by repeatedly striking the child within Hackensack city limits. Following interviews and evidence review, prosecutors charged Holder with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-2a(2)) and third-degree aggravated assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7)).
Suspect held at Bergen County Jail
Holder was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court. Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the charges are accusations and that Holder is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Officials commend coordinated response
Musella thanked the Hackensack Police Department and the Bergenfield Police Department for their assistance in the investigation, which remains ongoing under the supervision of Chief Matthew Finck and Chief Michael Antista.