On the night of March 22nd at approximately 9:41pm, Officer Jonathan Berger stopped a vehicle traveling on Roseland Avenue without any headlights, along with several other motor vehicle violations. Upon making contact with the driver, a 21 year old male from Union, NJ, he detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana inside the vehicle. The driver exhibited signs of being under the influence, so he was asked to step out and perform several field sobriety tests. It was determined that the driver failed the tests and was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. 2 passengers were released at the scene. Discovered in the vehicle were several pills, which were determined to be Oxycodone.
Once in custody, the male subject began acting erratically by screaming, yelling and cursing at officers. He was banging his head against the interior of the patrol car. Once he was transported to Headquarters, an ambulance was requested for the subject. During this time, he repeatedly kicked officers and bit a member of the West Essex First Aid Squad. He was ultimately transported to Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville for a mental evaluation. Following treatment, the male was charged with several criminal offenses, including Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Aggravated Assault on an Emergency First Responder. In addition, he was charged with several motor vehicle offenses, including DWI. A $7,000.00 warrant for Aggravated Assault was discovered out of the Newark Municipal Court.
The subject was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility, where he is currently lodged.
(It should be noted that charges are merely allegations and any/all parties are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty in a court of law)
Authorized by: Chief Volker