Resident Left Man Bloodied, Kicked Out Cruiser's Window, Nutley Cops Say

A resident charged with assault reportedly smashed a Nutley police cruiser’s window Saturday. 

Steven Scharton, 31, of Nutley was charged with aggravated assault and criminal mischief after police responded to an injured man on Franklin Avenue shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, police said.

The victim was spitting up blood, missing a tooth and couldn't recall what happened to him, police said. 

Witnesses in the area told police that the victim, who was transported to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, had been beaten by two men who fled on foot.

Police said men matching the description of the two assailants were found nearby and taken into custody. One of the men, Scharton reportedly used profanities and racial epithets toward officers on the way to the station.

Scharton also kicked the rear driver's side window of the police car until it shattered, police said. He was charged with criminal mischief.

While Scharton was in handcuffs, officers reportedly saw blood on his hands as well as blood on his boots and shirt. Scharton also was charged with aggravated assault. 

Bail was set at $50,000 with a 10 percent option. Police said he was unable to post bail and was transported to the Essex County Jail, after being advised of his court date.

The second suspect also was taken into custody. Dennis Harvey, 25, of Lyndhurst, was charged with aggravated assault. He posted bail and was released after being advised of his court date.