'Armed, Dangerous' Man Elbows Cop In Face, Breaks Finger In Somerset Co.: Prosecutor

MANVILLE, NJ — An "armed and dangerous" man who police say threatened a child, ran away from the scene and then injured officers during a "violent struggle" was arrested Friday in Somerset County.

On Friday, Aug. 15, a 911 call from a woman having a dispute with an unknown man, later identified as Derick Donel Lewis Jr., 35, of Bridgeton, said that he had threatened her child, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr.

Before Manville Police arrived at the home, Lewis had fled, said McDonald.

Manville patrol officers learned that Lewis was allegedly in possession of a scratched firearm and wanted on an NCIC warrant from Asbury Park (Monmouth County) for robbery and was listed as an armed and dangerous individual, said McDonald.

Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, along with members of the Manville Police Department and members of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K9, went to Manville to conduct a canvas search for Lewis.

Lewis was later located at the Somerville Train Station around 4:15 p.m.

"Members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the Somerville Police Department approached and confronted Lewis, who aggressively resisted arrest, resulting in injuries to law enforcement," said McDonald.

During the arrest, Lewis was found to have a replica Glock handgun, which he tried to draw from his waistband during the violent struggle, said McDonald.

"The law enforcement officers that confronted and arrested Lewis demonstrated the utmost restraint as they were faced with a potential deadly force encounter," said McDonald.

As a result of the struggle with Lewis, a Somerville Police Officer sustained bruising and swelling to her face after being hit by Lewis's elbow. The officer also sustained a broken middle finger on her left hand, caused by Lewis actively resisting arrest, said McDonald.

Lewis also assaulted an additional Somerville Officer by spitting in the face of the male officer, said McDonald.

A Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant and a Detective also got minor scrapes and bruises as they tried to place Lewis under arrest along with the Somerville Officer, said authorities.

Lewis was charged with the following:

• Three counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, second-degree offense
• One count of aggravated assault on law enforcement, third-degree offense
• One count of aggravated assault on law enforcement, fourth-degree offense
• Resisting arrest, fourth-degree offense
• Possession of an imitation handgun, fourth-degree

Lewis was subsequently taken to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment for minor abrasions received during the arrest.

Lewis was later released from the hospital and lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in Somerset County Superior Court.

McDonald thanked the Somerville Police Department, the Manville Police Department, the Somerset County Sheriff’s K9, the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, the Raritan Borough Police Department, the Bridgewater Police Department, and the Hillsborough Police Department for helping in the investigation, which subsequently led to the apprehension of Lewis.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office 908-575-3300, or the Somerville Police Department at 908-752-0331, or the Manville Police Department 908-725-1900 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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