MIDDLETOWN, NJ – A crime reported out of Middletown today highlights the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. In generations past, it was perceived that rowdy teens from the lower class neighborhoods would descend upon the wealthy neighborhoods to commit crimes, but that trend is changing during COVID-19. Last week, two teens from the affluent towns of Rumson and Fair Haven, where homes sell for millions of dollars, went to nearby Middletown to harass a homeowner in that town. Like many coronacrimes, this one also ended up with one of the perps kicking and screaming at police officers, spitting their imaginary coronavirus at them.
John R. Hendricks, 19, of Rumson, was charged on April 25 by the Middletown Township Police Department with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on a police officer (3rd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), criminal mischief (3rd degree), and violating the emergency orders. Andrew R. Jacome, 18, of Fair Haven, was charged with criminal mischief (3rd degree) and violating the emergency orders. Homeowners called police to report two subjects throwing rocks at their door, vandalizing their vehicle, and exploding fireworks in their mailbox. Police arrested Hendricks and Jacome nearby. Hendricks allegedly attempted to flee and physically resisted arrest. He allegedly screamed at the victims, threatening to return and burn their house down. At police headquarters, Hendricks allegedly tried to kick officers and spat on the floor, claiming he had the coronavirus.