Man Goes Into Rage, Threatens To Kill Cops At Park: Police

CALIFON, N.J. – A Califon man was arrested after threatening to kill two police officers at a public park Thursday night, Lt. Doug Compton said.

At 8:54 p.m., Officer Frank Giaquinto responded to Califon Island Park for a report of a group of people being loud and disorderly while drinking alcohol, Compton said.

When Giaquinto arrived he found some of the people involved and began to speak with them about the complaint. At this time, Keith Ropp, 24, came out from a vehicle parked in the lot and began to yell at Giaquinto, Compton said.

Ropp then removed his shirt and “obtained a fighting stance,” Compton said. Officer Michael Thompson arrived on scene and both officers attempted to calm down Ropp, who then said he was going to kill both officers, Compton said.

Ropp was placed under arrest and transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters and issued a criminal complaint for disorderly conduct.

This isn't Ropp's first brush with the law, or acting aggressively toward police. In January of this year, Ropp was arrested in Byram Township after he "moved toward officers in an aggressive manner" after not complying with their instructions, according to njherald.com.

He was subdued by two officers then and arrested.