Chatham Man Assaulted Politician In Union County, Police Say

CHATHAM, NJ — A Chatham man has been charged after police say he physically assaulted a Union County Councilman before the general election.

Summit Common Council member Andrew Minegar said he was canvassing for the Nov. 7 election on Sunday when he was confronted verbally and physically by Robert Laudati, a 58-year-old Chatham resident.

Laudati has been charged with simple assault and a summons was mailed on Wednesday to his Chatham address following an investigation, police said.

The confrontation occurred in the driveway of a home on Canoe Brook Parkway owned by Laudati's parents, according to Summit Police.

Minegar claimed that Laudati approached him halfway up the driveway and asked him to leave the property. According to authorities, Laudati allegedly stated that his family did not want to be disturbed by Minegar or support his political party, which is Democrat.

Minegar stated that he immediately left the property and walked next door to speak with the homeowners. According to authorities, Laudati followed Minegar onto the neighboring property and told him not to bother them because it was a Sunday.

According to authorities, Laudati became physically abusive, repeatedly pushing Minegar and hitting his cell phone from his hands while the council member was filming the incident.

Laudati also allegedly threw Minegar’s campaign materials into a nearby wooded area.

Minegar was not injured during the incident, police said.