Suspect charged in May stabbing incident

SECAUCUS, NJ—Kendall Smith, a 32-year-old Jersey City resident, has been charged by the Secaucus Police Department's Detective Division in connection with a series of hotel thefts. The incidents, targeting female victims involved in prostitution, occurred at various Secaucus hotels.

The first reported incident took place on May 17, 2024 at the La Quinta Hotel on Lighting Way. Smith and other suspects allegedly forced their way into a hotel room, brandishing knives, and fled with money, personal items and documents after a struggle with the occupants.

Another June 4 robbery at the Meadowlands Plaza Hotel involved Smith and an accomplice who choked a victim, threatened his life, then stole his personal belongings. License plate cameras again captured the fleeing vehicle.

On June 5, while under surveillance, Smith was apprehended by Secaucus and Jersey City police near his residence in Jersey City. A court-authorized search of his vehicle revealed additional evidence linking him to the crimes.

Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller praised the effective use of license plate scanning technology, supported by Mayor Gonnelli and the City Council, which proved instrumental in the fight and resolution crimes in the community. Mayor Gonnelli also welcomed the partial installation of this system, which has already greatly aided police efforts.