LAKEHURST, NJ — A Freehold Township man faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, following a disturbance at a McDonald’s restaurant.
Gregory A. Lopez, 35, was arrested in the early morning hours of Dec. 28.
At approximately 5:47 a.m., Officer Jean Verrier and Officer Daniel Hourigan responded to the McDonald’s at 98 Route 70 regarding a male causing a disturbance inside the establishment.
Prior to officers’ arrival, the department received multiple 9-1-1 calls from various locations in the same area reporting a male subject yelling and screaming at passing motorists.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Lopez and began speaking with him.
Lopez became increasingly agitated and refused to comply with lawful commands, according to police.
Officers initially de-escalated the situation and escorted Lopez from the business to the parking lot.
Once outside, Lopez again became highly irate and combative, continuing to refuse officers’ commands, police said.
As officers attempted to place him into custody, Lopez actively resisted arrest, resulting in a physical struggle.
During the altercation, Lopez attempted to disarm one officer of his service firearm and another officer of their issued Taser, according to police.
Following a violent struggle, officers secured Lopez in handcuffs and placed him under arrest.
One officer sustained minor injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center for an evaluation and treatment before being released.
Lopez was also transported to a local hospital for an evaluation.
Lopez was charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, two counts of attempt to disarm a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of the administration of law and being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.
After being medically cleared, Lopez was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Assisting at the scene were Officer Joseph Ciaurro and Officer Gavin Riedinger.
