Teenagers Face Felony Charges Following Machete and Knife Altercation in Hackensack

Two teens face charges in Hackensack after a machete-and-knife fight left one boy stabbed in the torso. Joaquin Morris Jr. was sent to Bergen County Jail.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 7:07 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from CBS New York

A Violent Confrontation on Central Avenue

Hackensack police and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office have released details regarding a Tuesday afternoon stabbing that originated at the intersection of Central Avenue and Union Street. The incident reportedly began as an altercation between Joaquin Morris Jr., 18, an unidentified juvenile, and a 16 year old male. According to investigators, the situation turned critical when the 16 year old produced a large machete and began swinging it at Morris.

Escalation and Multi-Weapon Assault

The physical struggle intensified rapidly as Morris allegedly retaliated by producing his own knife. Prosecutors state that Morris stabbed the 16 year old in the torso multiple times during the exchange. Following the stabbing, Morris and his juvenile companion fled the scene on foot, leaving the injured teenager to seek help several blocks away. Officers eventually located the victim at Banta Place and State Street after responding to reports of a person in significant distress.

Hospitalization and Subsequent Juvenile Charges

The 16 year old victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition to be treated for his wounds. Upon his release from medical care on Friday, he was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Facility. He currently faces charges of juvenile delinquency for aggravated assault with a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon for his initial role in the machete attack.