Somerville, NJ – A 35-year-old fugitive wanted on a robbery warrant sparked a violent confrontation at the Somerville Train Station on Friday when he resisted arrest, injured multiple officers, and attempted to pull a replica Glock from his waistband during a tense struggle.
Derick Donel Lewis Jr., of Bridgeton, was tracked to the station following a 911 call earlier that day in Manville, where he allegedly threatened a woman’s child and fled the scene before officers arrived. According to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Lewis was known to be armed and dangerous and was also wanted out of Asbury Park on an active warrant for robbery.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies — including the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Manville Police Department, and Somerset County Sheriff’s K9 Unit — launched an area-wide search that ultimately led to the Somerville transit hub.
Officers confronted Lewis at the station, where he violently resisted arrest, injuring a female Somerville officer by striking her in the face and breaking her finger.
He also spit in the face of a second officer during the arrest.
Despite Lewis allegedly attempting to draw the imitation firearm from his waistband, officers were able to subdue him without the use of deadly force. Prosecutor McDonald praised the officers for their restraint during what could have become a deadly encounter. Additional officers involved in the takedown sustained minor injuries including scrapes and bruises.
Lewis was found in possession of the replica handgun during the arrest. He was first taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being booked into Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
He faces multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement (2nd degree)
- One count each of aggravated assault on law enforcement (3rd and 4th degree)
- Resisting arrest (4th degree)
- Possession of an imitation handgun (4th degree)
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Key Points
- Fugitive Derick Donel Lewis Jr. violently resisted arrest at Somerville Train Station
- Officers injured during struggle as suspect attempted to draw imitation Glock
- Lewis charged with multiple counts of assault and resisting arrest
A wanted man’s arrest turned into a brawl at a busy NJ train station.