Man Punched South Orange Cop After Getting Ticket For Smoking: Police

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — A man allegedly punched a cop in South Orange after officers tried to give him a ticket for smoking in a local park last month, authorities say.

The South Orange Police Department released the following allegations about the aggravated assault, which took place on April 17:

“Officers observed an individual violating a village ordinance of smoking in a prohibited area at Spiotta Park. The individual was identified as Mr. Gregory Bridgers. As officers attempted to issue him a summons for smoking in the unpermitted area, Mr. Bridgers began walking away and ignored officers' orders. When officers attempted to stop Mr. Bridges, he then became aggressive and went into a fighting stance. Mr. Bridgers then struck an officer in the face with a closed fist. Mr. Bridgers was then placed under arrest and was brought to police headquarters.”

South Orange police said Bridgers was processed and taken to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

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