Jefferson Man Allegedly Assaults Cop

Gary Richards, 46, of Jefferson Township, was arrested after leaving the scene of an accident on Cozy Lake Road after he overturned his vehicle on Feb. 28, police said. While being placed under arrest he became combative and allegedly kicked Corporal Bryan Christie and tried to head butt him. Richards was later charged with DWI, resisting arrest, aggravated assault on a police officer, hindering apprehension, failure to report and leaving the scene of an accident, driving while suspended, no registration and no insurance, according to police. In addition, Patrick Walsh, 45, also of Jefferson Township, was arrested and charged with hindering apprehension after providing Richards a ride allegedly to avoid apprehension. Both were later released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

 In other police news:

Police responded to a report of a man possibly passed out in his vehicle with the engine revving at high speed. Officer Ernie Braun located the vehicle parked in a private parking lot off Berkshire Valley Road. The driver was later identified as Mark Ferling, 45, of Oak Ridge. He was arrested and was transported to the hospital due to an apparent high level of intoxication, police said. He was later charged with DWI, reckless driving and driving while suspended.

Amanda Donovan, 27, of Morristown, was arrested for DWI after being stopped for speeding and careless driving on Route 15 South on Feb. 27. She was in allegedly in possession of prescription medication for which she did not have a valid prescription. She was charged with DWI and possession of prescription drugs and later released pending a Municipal Court appearance, police said 

The owner of Lake Hopatcong Marina reported the theft of five batteries from five boats on Feb. 27.  Someone cut shrink wrap on the boats and removed the batteries, according to police.

Police responded to a vacant home for sale on Rock Ridge Rd. when it was reported by the neighbors that there were trespassers in the house on March 6. Police said two people fled from the house upon the arrival of the officers. Police received descriptions of the suspects and a vehicle. A short time later the vehicle was located in a public parking lot located near the house. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was loaned to a 17-year-old male juvenile from Flanders, formally of Jefferson Township Juvenile charges are pending, police said.

On March 6, officers responded to a residence on Valencia Isle Drive for a report of a dispute and possible assault. An investigation revealed that a guest, later identified as Richard Carlson, 33 of Belmar, got into a verbal dispute with the owner of the home and another person. Police said that during the dispute Mr. Carlson took out a pocket knife. Carlson was arrested and charged with assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Judge William Bowkley authorized a $15,000.00 arrest warrant. Bail was posted and Carlson was released pending a Municipal Court appearance.  

Keith Bradley Jr., 32, of Hopatcong was arrested for DWI on March 4 after he was observed operating erratically on Louisiana Ave. He was later charged with DWI and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.