🚔 Fairfield Police Arrest Hackensack Man Following Traffic Stop That Allegedly Uncovered Loaded Handgun
Fairfield police arrested a Hackensack man after a traffic stop led to a struggle and the discovery of a loaded handgun. Authorities say the suspect, who allegedly possessed a switchblade and gang patches, faces multiple charges including aggravated assault on an officer.
FAIRFIELD, NJ — August 22, 2026 — A routine traffic stop in Fairfield allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation with police before officers arrested a 44-year-old Hackensack man who authorities say was carrying a loaded handgun and a switchblade.
According to the Fairfield Police Department, Corporal Jeffrey Dean observed a black 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling on Two Bridges Road at approximately 10:07 p.m. on August 22. Police said the motorcycle allegedly did not have a visible license plate.
The operator was also wearing a denim vest displaying patches that police said commonly indicate affiliation with the Thunderguards outlaw motorcycle gang.
During the traffic stop, authorities allege that the rider, identified as Marcelo Valencia-Solis, 44, of Hackensack, removed several motorcycle license plates from a saddlebag. Police said one of the plates had allegedly been altered with electrical tape.
🔪 Police further allege that when Corporal Dean asked whether Valencia-Solis had anything on him that could pose a concern, he removed a switchblade from his pants pocket and held it in a manner that allowed the blade to be easily engaged.
According to investigators, Dean repeatedly ordered Valencia-Solis to drop the knife and eventually grabbed his wrist in an effort to control him.
Police said Valencia-Solis allegedly continued resisting when Dean attempted to place him under arrest and repeatedly tried to reach toward his waistband.
👮♂️ An off-duty Hackensack Police Detective, Michael Reo, was reportedly at a nearby Wawa and witnessed the encounter. Authorities said Reo immediately intervened to assist Corporal Dean. Additional Fairfield officers then arrived, and Valencia-Solis was taken into custody.
A subsequent search allegedly resulted in the recovery of a loaded Ruger .380-caliber handgun from Valencia-Solis’ waistband.
⚖️ Valencia-Solis was charged with:
• Unlawful possession of a handgun • Unlawful possession of a switchblade • Gang criminality • Aggravated assault on a police officer • Resisting arrest • Tampering with public records
He was remanded to the Essex County Correctional Facility pending an initial hearing in Superior Court.
Fairfield police officials praised Corporal Dean and Detective Reo for their actions during the incident, emphasizing the dangers officers can face when routine encounters rapidly escalate.
🚨 Garden State News Network will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as they become available.
⚠️ PRESUMED INNOCENT: The charges outlined above are allegations. Valencia-Solis is presumed innocent unless and until he pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law.