Newark Man Assaults, Spits on Officers in Union County: Police

A routine motor vehicle stop resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old Newark man after police say he assaulted and spit on a Linden Police Officer on Tuesday.

It was just after 10 p.m. When a Linden Patrol Officer noticed a 2015 Ford Focus swerve and strike a curb while traveling on South Park Avenue. The vehicle was pulled over at Brunswick Avenue and South Park Avenue, according to Linden Police.

When the officer approached the vehicle the driver, Rahson O. Thorn, said the vehicle was a rental and he could not produce any paperwork.

The officer attempted to open the drivers side door and asked Thorn to exit the vehicle after Thorn rolled up his window and refused to speak with him. A struggle ensued and the officer requested back up.

Thorn was eventually handcuffed, but not before he struck the backup officer in the face twice with his hand after the three wrestled to the ground. The back up officer was forced to deploy his pepper spray to get compliance, police say.

“When a third officer arrived on the scene and assisted the handcuffed Thorn to the patrol car, Thorn spit at the officer striking him in the hand,” according to Linden Police.

“Thorn then complained of difficulty breathing and was taken to Trinitas Hospital where he was treated and released into police custody.”

Thorn is charged with:

• aggravated assault on police
• throwing bodily fluids on police
• resisting arrest
• obstruction
• suspended driver license
• careless driving
• open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle

He is being held at the Linden municipal jail this morning pending the setting of bail.

Photo courtesy of the Linden Police Department.