FORKED RIVER, NJ — A 44-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly assaulting police officers during an arrest Thursday morning.
Officers from the Lacey Township Police Department were conducting a follow-up investigation in the area of Sarasota Drive at approximately 7:15 a.m. when Matthew D. Hawthorne, of Forked River, arrived at the scene in a vehicle.
Police informed Hawthorne he was under arrest.
As officers approached the vehicle, Hawthorne quickly exited and immediately struck an officer in the head several times, according to police.
Officers attempted to gain control of Hawthorne and deployed a Taser multiple times, but the deployments failed as Hawthorne continued to assault officers and resist arrest, police said.
Officers eventually gained control of Hawthorne and arrested him.
Hawthorne was charged with resisting arrest, two counts of aggravated assault on police and obstructing administration of law.
He was also issued several motor vehicle summonses, including improper use of the horn and reckless driving.
Three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the arrest.
One officer was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and was later released.
Hawthorne was lodged in Ocean County Jail pending a future court appearance.
