Long Branch Woman Arrested For Assault On A Police Officer, Stealing iPad

Long Branch, New Jersey - A city woman has been charged with assault on a police officer after she whacked the officer with her purse when she responded to a theft report, according to app.com.

Cindy Gilliard, 57, approached the victim and asked her what time it was. When the woman pulled out her iPhone 5 to check, Gilliard grabbed the phone from her and ran, according to a criminal complaint.

When on-duty Sgt. Heather Valdes responded and told Gilliard she was under arrest for theft, Gilliard struck the officer with her purse and used her hands and fists to resist arrest, the complaint states.

Gilliard is charged with fourth-degree aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and third-degree theft of movable property. The phone was valued at more than $500.

Long Branch Municipal Court Judge George Cieri set her bail at $7,500 cash.

Image: Patch file photo.