Two Off-Duty Cops Arrested in Park Ridge Assault Investigation

Four people, including the two officers, were charged in connection with an incident at a local steakhouse.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Four people, including two off-duty police officers, were arrested stemming from an aggravated assault investigation at a Park Ridge, New Jersey steakhouse. The charges allege that one of the officers was involved in a physical altercation that led to a victim sustaining serious injuries, while the other officer and two other individuals provided false information to conceal the first officer's involvement.

Why it matters

The arrest of two off-duty police officers in an alleged assault case raises concerns about accountability and public trust in law enforcement, especially when officers are accused of criminal behavior while not on duty. The incident also highlights the challenges local authorities face in investigating and prosecuting cases involving their own personnel.

The details

According to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, the incident occurred on December 6, 2025 at The Park Steakhouse in Park Ridge. Police responded to a disturbance call and found an adult male victim with a serious head injury, who was later released from the hospital several days later. The investigation determined that Nicholas K. Dispoto, a Montvale police officer who was off-duty at the time, was involved in the physical altercation that led to the victim's injuries. Dispoto allegedly hid inside the steakhouse as police responded. Jason R. Vradenburg, a Park Ridge police officer who was also off-duty, along with Martina L. Mcgee and Thomas M. Schiavone, are accused of providing false information to officers to conceal Dispoto's involvement.

  • The incident occurred on December 6, 2025.
  • Vradenburg was arrested on February 13, 2026.

The players

Nicholas K. Dispoto

A 31-year-old Montvale police officer who was off-duty at the time of the alleged assault incident.

Jason R. Vradenburg

A 28-year-old Park Ridge police officer who was off-duty at the time and is accused of providing false information to conceal Dispoto's involvement.

Martina L. Mcgee

A 29-year-old Hillsdale resident who is accused of providing false information to conceal Dispoto's involvement.

Thomas M. Schiavone

A 59-year-old resident of St. James City, Florida who is accused of providing false information to conceal Dispoto's involvement.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold all members of law enforcement to the highest standards, both on and off duty.”

— Mark Musella, Bergen County Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge will decide on Dispoto and Vradenburg's bail status at their upcoming court appearances.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for robust internal affairs investigations and disciplinary measures when off-duty officers are accused of criminal behavior, in order to maintain public trust in law enforcement.