WHARTON, NJ — A 41-year-old man was arrested Thursday and charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer, obstructing administration of law, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
Douglas Godfrey Jr., of Wharton, was taken into custody after an incident at his residence when Officer Brett Rossi arrived to serve him with a complaint summons for a previous disorderly conduct violation.
Godfrey refused to take possession of the complaint summons, according to police.
Officer Rossi left the complaint summons on the front deck and began to leave the residence.
Godfrey became aggressive, grabbing Officer Rossi’s arm as he walked away, police said.
Godfrey was advised if he made unprovoked physical contact with Officer Rossi again he would be arrested.
Godfrey then attempted to intentionally bump Officer Rossi with his chest, according to police.
He was advised he was under arrest.
While being handcuffed, Godfrey attempted to resist and refused to give officers his hands, police said.
After a brief struggle, Godfrey was secured in handcuffs.
When being placed in the rear of the patrol vehicle, Godfrey was yelling and causing a disturbance in the neighborhood, according to police.
He kicked the police vehicle doors multiple times in an attempt to prevent them from closing.
Godfrey was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Godfrey was also arrested in September when he attempted similar behavior with another Wharton officer, police said.
During both incidents, officers reported Godfrey was slurring his words, his eyes were bloodshot and watery and had the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath and person.
