Legislation would call for a minimum prison term for an individual convicted of committing a brutal and potentially deadly assault commonly referred to as the ‘knockout game’
Assemblyman Ron Dancer (R-12) has introduced legislation, A-4549, that calls for a minimum prison term for an individual convicted of committing a brutal and potentially deadly assault commonly referred to as the “knockout game.”
According to a press release, the game is a new type of random assault in which unsuspecting pedestrians are sucker-punched by youths with the intention of knocking them out with one blow.
Currently, such an assault would constitute a third degree crime, which is punishable by a three to five year prison term and a fine of $15,000, but usually does not result in imprisonment.
However, under the proposed legislation, according to the release, such an incident would be defined within aggravated assault provisions, allowing someone convicted of perpetrating such an assault to be subject to a minimum of as much as half of the aforementioned prison term without parole eligibility.
Assemblyman Dancer introduced the measure Dec. 12.
”Randomly punching someone with the intent to render them unconscious is anything but a game,” said Assemblyman Dancer. “It’s a new, sick form of violence being perpetrated by teens on innocent, unsuspecting people that can, and has, resulted in death. It’s becoming a public safety issue and that’s why we need to address it immediately.
”This bill makes it clear that New Jersey will not tolerate such heinous attacks against its citizens,” he added. “Those found guilty of such an assault will go to prison.”
The bill is also sponsored by Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-21).