Ocean County Arrest Turns Violent, Officer Hospitalized After New Year’s Day Encounter

Ocean County police charged a New Jersey man with multiple felonies after a struggle to arrest him on New Year’s Day. One officer was hospitalized among several injured. Authorities said it happened around 7:15 a.m. in Lacey Township’s Forked River. Police investigated a suspect on Sarasota Drive. Officials haven’t addressed the previous probe.

Police found 44-year-old Forked River resident Matthew Hawthorne in his car. Police said they were arresting him. When Hawthorne exited the car and repeatedly punched a cop in the head, violence escalated. Police repeatedly tased to seize control. Hawthorne survived the gadget’s efforts. Refusing arrest, he allegedly struck additional cops.

After a fight, police arrested Hawthorne. He’s in Ocean County Jail awaiting his first court date. Officials said three officers were hurt but not killed during the arrest. One officer was released from a neighboring hospital with minor injuries.

In addition to criminal accusations, Hawthorne suffered additional traffic penalties. Police also say drivers speed and honk aggressively. He is accused of resisting arrest, assaulting police with a lethal weapon, and lawbreaking.

Police said resisting arrest or using violence endangers them and the public. Local court proceedings will decide the charges. Lacey Township Police haven’t commented because the case is in court.

Sources
Lacey Township Police Department
Ocean County Jail
New Jersey Law Enforcement Authorities