Police: Englewood Officers Hurt in Melee With Emotionally Disturbed Man

Three Englewood police officers were injured in a confrontation with an emotionally disturbed man early Sunday, the second time in two weeks city officers have been hurt in violent struggles, authorities said.

Officers were called to the Englewood Hospital emergency room around 1:30 a.m. for a report from staff that Ifeoma Ezekwo, 58, was interfering as her son was being involuntarily committed for a psychological evaluation at Bergen Regional Medical Center, police said.

As city officers tried to defuse the situation, her 29-year-old son Chukwueme Ezekwo became violent and his mother also became "physically involved," according to Detective Capt. Tim Torell.

"Chukwueme Ezekwo punched and kicked the officers violently. At one point Pepper Spray was used against him," Torell said in an email.

Ezekwo grabbed an officer's baton and tried to use it against him, but officers were able to wrestle it away, Torell said.

The melee left Officer Thornton White with injuries to the ribs and possible torn ligaments, police said. Officer Christophe Quirk suffered possible torn ligaments and Officer Mike Christiansen had bumps and bruises, according to Torell. White and Quirk were treated and released from the hospital.

"The officers should be commended for taking the injuries themselves and preventing innocents and the E.R. staff from getting hurt,” Torell said.

Torell said police have dealt with Chukwueme Ezekwo before. On March 29, officers found him shirtless and taunting passing motorists outside the Actor's Fund Home on West Hudson Avenue, police said. Ezekwo struggled with officers and was taken to Bergen Regional Medical Center, but not charged in that incident.

Chukwueme Ezekwo was being held under guard at Bergen Regional after the latest confrontation, police said. He was charged with three counts of third-degree aggravated assault on police officers, one count of second-degree aggregated assault on a police officer, one count of second-degree attempt to disarm a police officer and one count of third-degree resisting arrest. His bail was set at $300,000.

His mother, Ifeoma, was charged with obstruction and disorderly conduct. She was released without bail.

Sunday's struggle came after Englewood Detective Barry Miller and Officer Jerel Hammond were sidelined from duty after being hurt in a struggle with a 10-time convicted felon last week, police said. Miller broke his hand and required surgery.

"That’s five officers injured in two consecutive weekends during violent confrontations for us; four of which are still unable to return to work. That presents some serious challenges for us,” Torell said.

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