Asbury Park police officers recently responded to a party at a local residence where hundreds of people were gathered. The reportedly raucous gathering became increasingly contentious as attendees hurled bottles at police and one officer was struck, sustaining minor injuries. Ultimately, 7 people were arrested and charged in connection with this incident.
The sequence of events began when Asbury Park police officers responded to a report of a large crowd gathered near the 10 block of Borden Avenue at approximately 11:20 p.m on Thursday, July 23rd.
According to authorities, they arrived on the scene to discover a large party, attended by approximately 100 to 200 people, some of whom were engaged in physical altercations. The officers then called for additional reinforcements and shortly thereafter, officers from the Bradley Beach and Neptune Township police departments arrived.
While the officers attempted to disperse the crowd and restore order, several individuals allegedly began throwing bottles at the officers, striking Officer Ricky Kirchgessner, who sustained a head laceration. After receiving medical care at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Officer Kirchgessner was released and deemed fit for duty.
As for those arrested, 7 individuals hailing from Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Neptune were charged with a number of offenses including disorderly conduct, failure to disperse, obstructing the administration of the law, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault on a police officer.
For the individuals charged with disorderly persons offenses such as disorderly conduct, they will be required to appear in Asbury Park Municipal Court and may face penalties including a sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail, in addition to a fine of up to $1,000 and a charge on their criminal records. For those facing more serious charges such as aggravated assault, their cases will be transferred to the Monmouth County Superior Court, where they may face significant terms of incarceration if convicted.
When faced with an allegation that stems from an interaction with law enforcement, police testimony becomes even more significant, and the State often prosecutes these offenses to the fullest extent of the law. However, an aggressive and knowledgeable defense attorney can thoroughly protect your rights and often alleviate some of the potential consequences.
For example, our attorneys regularly appear in Asbury Park Municipal Court and secure desirable results for our clients through downgraded charges to non-criminal offenses known as municipal ordinance violations, enrollment in diversionary programs such as conditional dismissal, and many times, we can have the charges dropped altogether. It takes an attorney who is familiar with the specific court and well-versed in the law to effectively overcome criminal charges, but with this combination, it is extremely possible. Contact our offices to learn more.
For additional information regarding this case, view the following article: Bottles thrown at officers trying to disperse large crowd in Asbury Park, police say