PALISADES PARK, N.J. — A 49-year-old Closter man faces an aggravated assault charge after investigators say he grabbed an adult victim by the neck and jaw during a dispute at a private residence, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced.
Authorities identified the suspect as Shawn M. Lee, who was arrested April 17 following a joint investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Palisades Park Police Department.
9-1-1 hang-up call leads to assault investigation
The case began the night of April 15, when Palisades Park police responded around 9:38 p.m. to a residence after receiving a 9-1-1 hang-up call.
When officers arrived, they learned an assault had occurred earlier that day, prompting them to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Detectives launched a joint investigation that identified Lee as the suspect.
Investigators determined that during a dispute, Lee allegedly wrapped both hands around the victim’s neck and jaw in what authorities classified as a physical assault.
—
Key Points
• Shawn M. Lee, 49, of Closter charged with third-degree aggravated assault
• Alleged assault involved grabbing victim’s neck and jaw during dispute
• Arrest followed joint investigation by Bergen County prosecutors and Palisades Park police
—
Arrest made in Closter, detention hearing pending
Detectives with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office arrested Lee in Closter on April 17. He was charged with third-degree aggravated assault under New Jersey law.
Following his arrest, Lee was remanded to the Bergen County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Prosecutor Musella said the charge is an accusation and that Lee is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Multi-agency coordination in investigation
The investigation involved coordination between the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Palisades Park Police Department, and Closter Police Department.
Officials credited the agencies with working together to identify and apprehend the suspect within two days of the initial police response.
Case status
The aggravated assault charge against Lee remains pending as the case moves toward a detention hearing in Bergen County Superior Court, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.