PARSIPPANY, NJ – Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Chief Richard Pantina announced the arrest of John R. Connelly, 36, in connection with an assault on a motorist and a Parsippany Police Department Crossing Guard.
On September 14, at 3:10 pm, multiple 911 calls alerted the Parsippany Police Department to a motor vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle at the intersection of Route 202 and Brooklawn Drive. Upon arrival, officers learned that a 58-year-old motorcyclist had stopped to allow a 76-year-old on-duty crossing guard to help children cross the street. Connelly allegedly stopped his pickup truck behind the motorcyclist and proceeded to physically assault him.
The crossing guard attempted to intervene but was reportedly shoved to the ground by Connelly. The defendant continued his assault until other motorists intervened. Connelly then allegedly fled the scene in his pickup truck.
Following an investigation, the Morris Plains Police Department located and arrested Connelly a short time later. He faces charges of Aggravated Assault, a third-degree crime, and Simple Assault, a disorderly persons offense. Connelly was released on his own recognizance.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this investigation to call 973-263-4300 and extends its gratitude to the Morris Plains Police Department for their assistance in the arrest.