Police: Manhunt Underway For New Jersey Nurse, Woman Attacked In Hospital Breakroom

New Jersey officials are looking for Nicholas Pagano of West Deptford, New Jersey, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

Musella said Pagano, a nurse, is wanted on charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, and unlawful weapons possession.

He is believed to be operating a 1998 white Jeep Grand Cherokee with black roof racks and New Jersey license plate number S57 NJH. He is believed to be armed and dangerous said Musella.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and the Hackensack Police Department under the direction of Officer in Charge Darrin DeWitt.

On Monday, February 7, 2022, at approximately 5:15 a.m., the Hackensack Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a Hackensack University Medical Center (“HUMC”) employee on a report of an assault at the hospital.

Hackensack Police responded to the hospital, where they learned that a 54-year-old HUMC employee had been attacked and burned by another individual in a break room and that the attacker had fled the hospital said Musella.

The victim suffered third-degree burns over her upper body, face, and hands, as well as a laceration to her head that required stitches. She was treated in the emergency room at HUMC and subsequently transported to another medical facility for additional treatment.

An investigation conducted by detectives from the Hackensack Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit revealed that Pagano burned the victim and struck the victim with a wrench said Musella.

On Monday, February 7, 2022, he was charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated arson against the person, second-degree aggravated arson against the property,  second-degree aggravated assault,  third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Musella said Pagano should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts or if he is observed, please contact the Hackensack Police Department at (201) 646-7777.

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