New Jersey State Police have arrested a man from Palisades Park in connection with a rock-throwing incident on the New Jersey Turnpike that left an 8-year-old girl on a school bus seriously injured when the rock crashed into the bus window, according to state police.
Hernando Garciamorales, 40, was arrested after throwing rocks on the northbound New Jersey Turnpike, just before Exit 70 A/B. State police announced the arrest late Jan. 9. Police said investigators located Garciamorales at “a self-made campsite within Old Croaker County Park in Bergen County” following the multi-agency search.
In its statement, the organization said, “A young girl was severely injured due to the attack and remains in our thoughts as she begins her recovery.” In the post, the Jewish Federation stated, “We are pleased to report that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the recent rock-throwing incident involving a bus carrying students from a Jewish day school.”
The group added, “At this time, law enforcement has indicated that the incident does not appear to be a bias-motivated crime,” and thanked law enforcement for their response, citing “extraordinary coordination, speed, and determination in bringing this matter to a close.”
Garciamorales has been charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, resisting arrest by flight, and hindering, state police said. He was lodged in the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Old Croaker County Park, where the police said the suspect had a "a self-made campsite" is a small, wooded green space in Bergen County, situated just west of the New Jersey Turnpike near the border of Teaneck and Ridgefield Park. Located north of Overpeck County Park and bordering Teaneck Creek, it forms part of a broader corridor of preserved open land.
The park’s lightly developed natural terrain and informal paths, along with its separation from commercial areas by highway infrastructure, make it appear relatively secluded on Google Maps, despite its proximity to major roads and the Turnpike interchange.