Bystander Saves NJ Cop From Chokehold During Mall Arrest

DEPTFORD, NJ - A South Jersey police officer was rescued by a bystander during a disorderly persons arrest at the Deptford Mall in which the arrestee placed the police officer into a chokehold, authorities said.

Michael A. Carberry, 43, of the Mickleton section of East Greenwich Township, was charged with criminal attempt (homicide), aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and related offenses in connection with the Friday incident, Deptford police said in a statement.

He is currently lodged in Salem County Jail, police said.

The charges stem from a report made at around 7:33 p.m. that evening of a man allegedly harassing patrons and acting in a “disorderly manner” at the mall, police said.

Patrol Officer Anthony Gatto arrived a short time later and asked the man to exit the property several times, to which he refused, police said.

“The subject then allegedly became confrontational regarding his expulsion from the property,” police said, to which Gatto responded by guiding the subject by the arm to escort him off the premises.

The man then allegedly shoved Gatto’s hand away and refused to exit. As he was being placed under arrest, he took a “bladed fighting stance” and used a “guillotine” chokehold on Gatto, “effectively cutting off blood and oxygen supply [to] the officer,” police said.

A bystander was ultimately able to intervene, removing the officer from the chokehold and placed the suspect into handcuffs, police said. Gatto suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident and was treated by Gloucester County EMS.

“Now, more than ever, we rely on the strength of community and the strength of each other. We value our relationships with the residents and stakeholders of Deptford Township and we are thankful that a mall patron had the bravery to intervene and assist our officer,” Deptford Police Chief Joe Smith said in a statement. “For that, I am forever grateful.”

This case is being investigated by Detective Eric Bailey of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Detective Mike Tirado of the Deptford Township Police Department. Those with any information about the incident are urged to contact 856-845-6300 or 856-845-2220.