Police in Hasbrouck Heights received multiple calls reporting a large fight on Terrace Avenue near the Wood-Ridge border around 11:41 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, Hasbrouck Heights Police Capt. John Behr said. Officers from Hasbrouck Heights responded with mutual aid from Wood-Ridge, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, and South Hackensack, Behr said.
The fight had ended by the time officers arrived, but a large crowd remained in the street and on the sidewalk, according to Behr. Police also found a vehicle with broken windows and were told someone had damaged it during the altercation. The following day, police learned the same person suspected of damaging the vehicle had allegedly slashed an 18-year-old male with a knife during the fight, Behr said. Detectives interviewed the victim and witnesses and obtained video of the altercation that had been filmed and posted to social media, according to Behr.
Matthew Wester, 19, of Hasbrouck Heights, went to police headquarters on Saturday, Aug. 8, where he cooperated with detectives and was arrested without incident, Behr said. Wester was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and criminal mischief, according to police. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail. The 18-year-old victim suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Behr said.
Records show Wester played football for Hasbrouck Heights High School before graduating in 2025.
Jessica Avila, 40, of Hasbrouck Heights, the adult/resident where the party occurred, went to headquarters on Monday, Aug. 10, and cooperated with detectives, Behr said. She was charged with making property available to underage drinkers and released pending a mandatory court appearance.
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