On April 9, 2023 at 8:42 P.M., the Secaucus Police responded to the Aloft Hotel, 460 Harmon Meadow Boulevard on a woman calling for help.
Intial responding police officers located a woman in the lobby of the hotel bleeding from the hand. The female stated that she met a man, now identified as Vineeth Ravuri, 26, of Jersey City, at the hotel with the purpose of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money.
Upon asking Ravuri to leave the room he brandished a knife and demanded his money back. When she refused, he lunged at her. During a struggle the woman received a laceration to her finger and buttocks. Ravuri attempted to prevent her from leaving the room, but he was unsuccessful and the woman made her way to the hallway while yelling for help. The woman was treated for injuries at the scene.
Police Officers located Ravuri in the lobby of the hotel with blood on his jacket and foot. He also was found in possession of a bloody knife used in the assault. He was subseuqently placed under arrest.
“Prostitution is not a victimless crime,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “Prostitutes are frequently victims themselves of physical and sexual assaults and robbery. Due to the sheer number of hotel rooms, Secaucus is appealing to those engaged in this illicit activity. However, the SPD will continue to conduct proactive operations in hopes of suppressing prostitution, which is often the root of other heinous crimes.”
Vineeth Ravuri was charged with Armed Robbery [2C:15-1a(1)], Aggravated Assault [2C:12-1b(1)], Criminal Restraint [2C:13-2], Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose [2C:39-4(d)], Unlawful Possession of a Weapon [2C:39-5(d)] and Engaging in Prostitution [2C:34-1b(1)]. He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail.
Anyone with information pertaining to Vice Crimes within Secaucus are asked to contact the Secaucus Police Department. Tips can be made by calling (201) 330-2049, emailed to spdtips@secaucusnjpolice.gov or submitted anonymously through the department’s website at www.secaucuspolice.org. These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
