WILDWOOD CREST, NJ – A Wildwood Crest police officer was assaulted while responding to a call on Monday. The suspect, Alberto Candelaria, 46, was charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and obstructing justice.
On Monday, June 13, at approximately 11:32 pm, officers from the Wildwood Crest Police Department responded to the 100 West block of Syracuse Avenue for a report of a disturbance involving a possible assault in progress.
“While investigating the incident, officers knocked on the door of a residence occupied by the accused, Alberto Candelaria, who became irate and confrontational. Candelaria then began shoving and pushing P.O. Harrison, even knocking off his body worn camera,” the department said. “Candelaria was advised that he was being placed under arrest but he resisted officers as they attempted to take him into custody. Officers were able to subdue Candelaria after a brief struggle. Neither the Officers or Candelaria were injured during the arrest.”
According to police, Candelaria was transported to Wildwood Crest Police Headquarters where he was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Administration of Law, and Disorderly Conduct. He was later released on a summons with a court date.
The initial incident that officers responded to investigate, a possible assault in progress, was determined to be unfounded and Candelaria’s attack on the officers was unrelated and unprovoked.