Woman Attacked Cops To Protect Fugitive Boyfriend: Randolph PD

RANDOLPH, NJ — A 72-year-old woman attacked Randolph police on Monday so her fugitive boyfriend could briefly make a run for it, Randolph police said. Both were arrested later that day.

William Hawkins, 51, and Arlene De Taranto, 72, are both facing aggravated assault on a police officer and obstruction charges in connection to the Monday events. Police say they had almost taken Hawkins, who had a felony warrant from a nearby town, into custody when Taranto began fighting.

Police confronted Hawkins near his home on Monday, but a few minutes into the conversation he ran towards his house, police said. Officers followed and caught up to him outside his front door, where a fight ensued.

Hawkins was almost under control, police said, when De Taranto slammed the door open into an officer and helped Hawkins get out of the grips of officers. The couple ran into the home and locked the door, police said.

With assistance from other officers, Randolph police were able to get into the home to arrest De Taranto. Hawkins, however, had fled out of the back of the home. He was later found at another Randolph home, and was arrested there.

One officers was injured and treated for his injuries.

In addition to the assault and obstruction charges, De Taranto faces hinder apprehension and possession of marijuana charges, and Hawkins faces resisting arrest, calling 911 without needing 911, and possession of marijuana charges. She was released with a court date; he is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

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