LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A 44-year-old Forked River man was taken into custody Thursday morning after allegedly attacking police officers who were attempting to arrest him during a follow-up investigation on Sarasota Drive, authorities said.
According to the Lacey Township Police Department, officers were conducting an investigation around 7:15 a.m. on January 1 when the suspect vehicle arrived at the scene, driven by Matthew D. Hawthorne of Forked River. When officers informed Hawthorne he was under arrest, he exited his vehicle and immediately struck an officer in the head multiple times.
Police said officers attempted to subdue Hawthorne using a conducted energy device (Taser), but the deployments were ineffective as he continued to resist and assault the officers. After a struggle, police were able to gain control of Hawthorne and take him into custody.
Three officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, with one transported to a local hospital for treatment and later released.
Hawthorne was charged with resisting arrest, two counts of aggravated assault on police, and obstructing administration of law. He was also issued several motor vehicle summonses, including improper use of the horn and reckless driving.
Hawthorne was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a future court appearance.