Tased NJ Man Continued Assault On 3 Cops During Arrest, Police Say

LACEY, NJ — Three Lacey police officers were assaulted by a man they were attempting to arrest, officials said.

Police were conducting a follow-up investigation on Sarasota Drive at about 7:15 a.m. Thursday when the suspect, 44-year-old Forked River resident Matthew D. Hawthorne, arrived at the scene and was told he was being placed under arrest.

As officers approached the vehicle, Hawthorne exited and struck one officer in the head multiple times, authorities said.

Officers attempted to subdue Hawthorne using a Taser several times, but were unsuccessful as he continued to assault officers, police said. He was eventually taken into custody.

Hawthorne was charged with resisting arrest, two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and obstructing the administration of law. He also received multiple motor vehicle summonses, including improper use of a horn and reckless driving.

Three officers sustained injuries. One officer was transported to a local hospital and later released, police said.

Hawthorne was taken to the Ocean County Jail, where he was being held pending a court appearance.