‘Parking War’: JCPD cop had ‘physical altercation’ over spot, citizen charged

While off-duty on the night of September 22, 2018, JCPD Sgt. Rossy Barzola was involved in a “physical altercation” over a parking spot in Downtown Jersey City that resulted in a citizen being charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer.

JCPD Sgt. Rossy Barzola (PHOTO: City of Jersey City) – Pino’s Restaurant (PHOTO: Google) – Donna Glaesener (PHOTO: Facebook).

Searching for parking in Jersey City can feel like a nightmare sometimes, especially Downtown. 

At approximately 7 PM, on the night of September 22, 2018, that nightmare became reality when an off-duty Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) supervisor was involved in a “physical altercation” while holding a parking spot.

“It appears the 38-year-old officer was attempting to hold a parking space when the 50-year-old female driver of a 2017 Audi attempted to park in the spot,” Jersey City Spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione told Real Jersey City on September 25, 2018.

Sources have identified JCPD Sgt. Rossy Barzola as the officer involved, Wallace-Scalcione identified Donna Glaesener, of Linden, NJ, as the driver of the Audi.

“After exchanging words, the female officer was struck in the right leg by the car,” according to Wallace-Scalcione. “The driver then exited the vehicle and struck the officer. A physical altercation ensued. Both parties were transported to local hospitals.”

According to Wallace-Scalcione, Barzola suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Glaesener was treated and released, and eventually placed under arrest for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer.

The incident occurred in the area of Newark Ave and Coles Street, near Pino’s Pizza & Restaurant – which is owned and operated by Barzola’s parents.

Barzola was promoted to sergeant this past May, according to a Jersey Journal report. Glaesener is Chief Maintenance Supervisor of Safety & Compliance at the Port Authority according to her LinkedIn profile, and is an actress with a profile on IMDB.com.

According to sources, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office (HCPO) is investigating Barzola’s actions during the physical altercation. A spokesperson for the HCPO did not return an email seeking comment on the status of any investigation related to the incident.

Glaesener’s lawyer did not respond to inquiries seeking comment on this story.

UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect that Donna Glaesener is a Port Authority employee.

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