Security Guard, K-9 Attacked Black Man At NJ Restaurant: Police

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A security guard at a popular South Jersey restaurant accused of attacking a Black man last week has been charged with aggravated assault, authorities announced.

Steven T. Rudy, 33 of Virginia and his canine were hired by Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford through a private security firm to work at the restaurant, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

On July 29, Deptford police responded to a report of a disturbance at the restaurant on Clements Bridge Road, authorities said. Rudy had become involved in a fight with a customer at the front entrance of the restaurant and then in the parking lot, authorities said.

The customer suffered several injuries after being bitten by the canine, authorities said. Deptford police contacted the prosecutor’s office about the altercation and the agencies worked together on an investigation that resulted in Rudy being charged, authorities said.

“It has been absolutely necessary and appropriate to undertake this investigation at a time when the use of force, and circumstances under which force is deployed, is a topic of extensive public discussion and concern,” Acting Gloucester County Prosecutor Christine Hoffman said. “The patience of our local communities and stakeholders has been of great benefit as we’ve been conducting our investigation. I extend my appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Deptford Township Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Frank Newkirk, who have been fully cooperative and engaged with the investigation and conducted themselves with professionalism and restraint while community members have gathered at the restaurant to have their voices and concerns heard.”

The incident is depicted in a 15-minute video that was posted on social media. The man is yelling at a group of uniformed officers, calling one of them a “white p***y” before the officer and the dog charge at him. Protests and calls to boycott the restaurant followed the incident, which has not been labeled a “bias incident,” NJ.com reports.

“Of special note and value is the effective partnership we maintain between my office, local law enforcement, elected officials and President Loretta Winters and the Gloucester County branch of the NAACP, with whom we have been in close and constant contact since the events at Adelphia on July 29th,” Hoffman said. “President Winters and her organization have been instrumental in longstanding, joint efforts to build bridges, trust and understanding across the breadth of our diverse Gloucester County communities.”

“The Deptford Township Police Department embraces the importance of freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and community engagement,” Newkirk said. “Our officers have worked hard to achieve the right balance in addressing the protests which have taken place at Adelphia since July 29th. In the interest of those who gather, as well as the officers on scene, we are committed to constant communication and cooperation so that all involved, as well as patrons of the restaurant and those traveling on Clements Bridge Road, remain safe and secure.”