Elizabeth Detective Assaulted at Jersey Gardens Applebee's
Maria Torres · Union County Life
An Elizabeth Police detective was assaulted and hospitalized after an incident at The Mills at Jersey Gardens on Sunday, according to Elizabeth Police Spokeswoman Ruby Contreras. Union County Life is reporting the incident based on information from the Elizabeth Police Department.
The confrontation began at around 7:17 p.m. at the Applebee's located at 651 Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth. A man was reportedly attempting to use counterfeit or prop money to pay for his meal. When the man became aggressive and tried to leave the restaurant, mall security responded.
Assault and Officer Injury
An Elizabeth Police detective then attempted to detain the suspect. The suspect resisted and assaulted the detective, hitting him multiple times in the head and face before running away into the mall parking lot. The detective was able to arrest the man before being transported to University Hospital. The officer was treated for lacerations to his head and forehead.
Charges
The suspect faces eight charges spanning second- and third-degree offenses:
Second-degree offenses: Disarming, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, resisting
Third-degree offenses: Aggravated assault of a security guard, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, theft of services, forgery
The Elizabeth Police Department did not disclose the suspect's identity.
Find more Elizabeth public safety and community news on Union County Life.
Photo Credit: VisitNJ.org
FAQ
Q: What happened at Jersey Gardens on Sunday?
A: An Elizabeth Police detective was assaulted at the Applebee's at The Mills at Jersey Gardens around 7:17 p.m. after attempting to detain a suspect. The officer was hospitalized with head and forehead lacerations.
Q: What was the initial incident?
A: A man attempted to use counterfeit or prop money to pay for his meal at Applebee's (651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth). When he became aggressive and tried to leave, mall security responded.
Q: How did the assault occur?
A: When an Elizabeth Police detective attempted to detain the suspect, the man resisted, assaulted the officer by hitting him multiple times in the head and face, then ran into the mall parking lot.
Q: Was the suspect arrested?
A: Yes. The detective arrested the man after he fled into the parking lot, despite being injured.
Q: What charges does the suspect face?
A: The suspect faces eight charges including second-degree disarming, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, resisting, and third-degree offenses including aggravated assault of a security guard, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, theft of services, and forgery.
Q: How was the officer injured?
A: The officer was treated at University Hospital for lacerations to his head and forehead from being struck multiple times during the assault.
Q: Was the suspect's identity released?
A: No. The Elizabeth Police Department did not disclose the suspect's identity.
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