Machete Toting Montclair Man Threatens New Milford Family, Cops Say

An Upper Montclair resident was arrested by New Milford Police on Thursday after yielding a machete and threatening family members who had asked him not to attend their Thanksgiving dinner.

According to police, the victim stated that Joseph Hoo arrived and was asked to leave. Hoo brandished a machete on the driveway of the residence on Greve Drive and began making threatening remarks to the family inside.

“The holidays can be a very stressful time for anybody,” said New Milford Police Chief Frank Papapietro. “For some reason, they can bring out a lot of old grudges and animosities.”

New Milford officers Michael Lafrano and Brian Carlino were dispatched to the residence just before 2 p.m. The officers observed a grey van leaving the scene and members of the party informed officers that Hoo might be carrying a machete. 

Officers stopped the van and removed Joseph and Drew Hoo from the vehicle. Joseph Hoo was “uncooperative” when dealing with police, said Papapietro. Det. Kevin VanSaders arrived and found two baseball bats and an 18-inch machete in the vehicle.

Joseph Hoo was charged with unlawful weapons possession, making terroristic threats and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

Drew Hoo, Joseph’s 18-year-old son, was not charged or involved with the incident.

Joseph Hoo was released on his own recognizance with a no-contact order with the victim and his family.