2020 News Release

State Police Charge Woman with Attempted Murder of Ringwood Police Officers

Mahwah Township, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police have charged Lakisha Maldonado, 30, of Leeds, AL, with attempted murder for allegedly firing a gun at Ringwood Borough police officers who were attempting to arrest her after a motor vehicle pursuit that ended on Interstate 287 in Mahwah Township, Bergen County.

On Wednesday, December 9, at approximately 5:30 a.m., a Ringwood Borough police officer observed a Ford Explorer parked in Ringwood State Park on Sloatsburg Road in Ringwood Borough, Passaic County.  As the officer was speaking with Maldonado, she fled in the Explorer, causing injury to the officer. 

Shortly after the initial contact, an assisting Ringwood police officer attempted to stop Maldonado, but she continued to flee.  The Ringwood officer followed her onto Interstate 287 north in Mahwah before the Ford became disabled at milepost 66.4.  When Ringwood police officers approached the vehicle in an attempt to arrest Maldonado, she brandished a handgun and fired three rounds.  None of the officers were struck, and Maldonado was arrested at the scene.

Lakisha Maldonado was charged with attempted murder, eluding, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose.  She was lodged at the Bergen County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.  The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the case.  Maldonado faces additional charges in Passaic County.

The case remains under investigation, and there is no additional information available.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

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