FAIRFIELD, N.J. – An off-duty Hackensack police detective jumped into a rapidly escalating traffic stop in Fairfield after spotting a fellow officer struggling to control an uncooperative suspect, authorities said.
Detective Michael Reo was off duty Aug. 22 when he witnessed Fairfield Police Corporal Jeffrey Dean attempting to gain control of the suspect during a motor vehicle stop. Reo stepped in to help before additional Fairfield officers arrived and took the suspect into custody.
The encounter took on added significance after police discovered the suspect was allegedly carrying a loaded handgun in his waistband. Hackensack Police praised Reo for intervening despite being off duty.
Key Points
- Off-duty Hackensack Detective Michael Reo intervened during an escalating Fairfield traffic stop Aug. 22.
- Reo helped Corporal Jeffrey Dean while Dean was attempting to control an uncooperative suspect.
- Police said a loaded handgun was later recovered from the suspect’s waistband after the arrest.
Off-Duty Detective Spots Officer in Struggle
Reo was not working when he came across the motor vehicle stop and saw the encounter escalating, according to the Hackensack Police Department.
Dean was attempting to gain control of the uncooperative suspect when Reo decided to intervene. Hackensack Police said the detective stepped in “without hesitation” to assist the Fairfield officer.
Additional Fairfield officers arrived shortly afterward, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Police later recovered a loaded handgun from the suspect’s waistband, according to the department’s account.
The Hackensack Police statement did not identify the suspect or specify the charges filed following the arrest. It also did not disclose what prompted the original traffic stop.
Hackensack Police Praise Detective Michael Reo
Hackensack Police publicly recognized Reo for taking action while off duty and helping another law enforcement officer during a potentially dangerous encounter.
“Detective Reo’s actions are a powerful reminder that the law enforcement family looks out for one another—on duty or off duty,” the department said.
Hackensack Police also praised Reo’s “quick response, courage, and commitment to helping a fellow officer and keeping our communities safe.”
The department directed readers seeking the full account of the incident to the Fairfield Police Department’s social media pages and the Hackensack Police Department website.
What did Detective Michael Reo do while off duty?
Hackensack Police said Reo saw Fairfield Corporal Jeffrey Dean attempting to control an uncooperative suspect during a traffic stop and stepped in to assist.
Was a weapon recovered from the suspect?
Yes. Police said a loaded handgun was later recovered from the suspect’s waistband.
Was the suspect charged?
The Hackensack Police statement said the suspect was taken into custody but did not identify the person or specify what charges were filed.
Sources: Hackensack Police Department public statement and Facebook post regarding the Aug. 22, 2026 incident.
