Man Arrested in Essex County Domestic Confrontation

Nutley police said they arrested a Clifton man in an incident originally thought to be a simple home invasion robbery, but is suspected of being related to a domestic dispute that evolved into a violent confrontation.

Officials said a Nutley patrol officer originally observed the victim, suffering from facial injuries and an apparent broken nose, in the vicinity of Church Street last night at about 11 p.m. After being taken the hospital, the victim made a statement saying the boyfriend of his girlfriend’s daughter entered his apartment last night while he was sleeping and assaulted him, while making threats to his life.

The suspect, Andrew Duval, 20, of Clifton, voluntarily arrived at Nutley police headquarters and was arrested and charged with burglary, terroristic threats, aggravated assault and robbery.

Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said, despite earlier reports in the press, this was an isolated incident and it appears the suspect and the victim knew each other. The chief praised the patrol officer and detectives for a quick investigation.

Mayor and Public Safety Director Alphonse Petracco, looking to reassure the public, stated that “this was not a home invasion” and noted that the victim and suspect appear to already know each other.