Cops: Man Threw Punch, Resisted Arrest

Police say a man tried to throw a punch at someone in a limousine outside , then attempted to hinder his own arrest.

James Cooper, 23, of Edison, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest Saturday shortly before 1:30 a.m.

Officers were preparing for bar closings when Officer David Tissot pointed toward a man, later identified as Cooper, whom he believed was about to start a fight with another man near .

Officer Joseph Heuneman, in his report, noted Cooper then approached a black SUV limo where the other unknown man was sitting in the passenger seat. Another person was standing in the way of the limo, according to the report.

Officers asked the two men to move away from the vehicle as Cooper continued to yell at the man in the passenger seat, according to the report. As the limo pulled away, Heuneman observed Cooper ball up his fist and attempt to punch the man in the vehicle, according to the report.

Heuneman approached Cooper and told him to leave the area immediately, police said. Cooper responded by saying the man in the limo had spit in his face, according to the report. When Heuneman suggested he should have gone to one of the several officers on foot patrol in that area, Cooper said, "I'm not a snitch," according to the report.

Cooper continued to yell at officers and caused a crowd of about 20 onlookers to form, according to the report. When Heuneman told Cooper again to leave, Cooper said he understood his rights and did not need to leave, police said.

Cooper yelled an expletive at the officers, prompting them to place him under arrest, police said.

As officers attempted to place Cooper in handcuffs, Cooper tensed up and pulled his arms close to his body, according to the report. During the struggle, Heuneman's handcuffs fell out of his hand and onto the ground, police said.

As he went to retrieve them, Cooper stepped on the handcuffs, blocking Heuneman, according to the report. Heuneman struck the rear of Cooper's calf with his forearm, allowing him to again retrieve his handcuffs, according to the report.

Cooper continued to be argumentative, later noting at that he has "an uncle on the force" and "yah, I threw a punch," according to the report.

During processing, Cooper complained of pain in his leg but refused medical treatment, according to the report. He was later released, pending a court date.

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