Canada
United States
New Zealand
Australia
Ireland
A shocking incident unfolded at the well-known TikTok-famous Lincoln Tunnel Motel in New Jersey, as a heated altercation escalated into a violent brawl, culminating in a disturbing act involving a car being repeatedly driven into one of the individuals involved.
The incident, captured on surveillance footage obtained by NBC New York, has drawn attention to the motel’s reputation as a haven for the homeless.
Brawl Breaks Out at Lincoln Tunnel Motel
In the early hours of Wednesday, a fight erupted between two men at the Lincoln Tunnel Motel. The altercation reportedly started when one of the men was assisting a friend who had been evicted from the motel.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control upon the arrival of another individual, leading to a physical confrontation between the two primary participants, while others looked on.
The intensity of the brawl reached a terrifying climax when one of the combatants entered a Mercedes-Benz and deliberately drove it into the other man multiple times.
The disturbing scene unfolded as the victim was struck, possibly in the legs, before managing to escape before law enforcement arrived at the scene.
The suspect then proceeded to reverse the car into a police vehicle before finally surrendering with his hands raised, his face bloodied from the altercation.
Suspect Charged, Motel’s Troubled Past
Authorities have identified the suspect as 42-year-old Ariam Ante from West New York. He now faces charges of assault by auto, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (referring to the car), as well as burglary and theft for allegedly rummaging through the victim’s vehicle.
The Lincoln Tunnel Motel, which gained popularity on TikTok due to co-owner Brian Acosta Arya’s efforts to aid the homeless, has also garnered attention for negative reasons.
Law enforcement has responded to incidents at the motel routinely, with over 2,700 responses recorded between January 2020 and March 2022, surpassing any other motel or hotel in the area.
Victim’s Condition Unknown
While video footage suggests that the victim was struck by the car multiple times, he has chosen not to come forward, leaving the extent of his injuries unclear.
According to Captain David Dowd of the North Bergen police, the victim was fortunate to have survived with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Despite the alarming incident and previous incidents of vandalism, including damage to the motel owner’s personal vehicle, Brian Acosta Arya remains determined to clean up the Lincoln Tunnel Motel and continue his mission of providing assistance to those in need.
The recent violent brawl serves as a stark reminder of the challenges he faces in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking shelter at the motel.
Efforts to Ensure Safety and Security
In response to the disturbing incident, law enforcement officials have emphasized the seriousness of the matter. Captain Dowd stated that additional patrols will be implemented at the motel to counteract reckless actions and maintain public safety.
As investigations into the brawl continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and consequences associated with escalating confrontations and the need for increased vigilance to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
