Paramus Police Officers Attacked

On 1/5/13 at apprx. 0222 hours Paramus P.O. Liggio was conducting a motor vehicle stop on Rt 4 E. He was being backed-up by P.O. D. Cullen. While conducting this motor vehicle stop a large group of males (apprx. 10), who were walking east on Rt 4 E, approached the officers and the stopped car and began to yell and scream at the officers (i.e. “Bitches” “Faggots” “Pussies”, etc.).

 The males were advised by our officers to move on but these males refused to leave the area and continued to interfere with the motor vehicle stop and act in a tumultuous and threatening manner. When P.O. D. Cullen attempted to arrest one of these males for Obstruction and P.O. Liggio went to assist P.O. Cullen, the other males began to surround the 2 officers in a threatening manner. Back-up police units were requested by these 2 officers. At this time all of the males began to run from the scene despite the P.O.’s commands for them to stop. A foot pursuit began and ultimately 2 of the males (juveniles) were apprehended and placed under arrest. Paramus P.O.’s D. Cullen & Luciano were injured during this event and taken to the hospital where they were treated and released. P.O. Luciano was diagnosed with 2 sprained wrist and P.O. D. Cullen was diagnosed with a sprained hand. One of the males was taken to the hospital for an injury to his eye. He was treated and released into police custody. Both apprehended males were charged with Obstruction and Resisting Arrest. One of the males was also charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault on a P.O. and the other male was also charged with Poss. of a Weapon (knife). Both males were released into the custody of a parent after being processed. Both injured P.O.’s will seek further medical care. The investigation to identify the other males involved is continuing.

Arrest Male #1: 16 years of age from Teaneck, NJ
Charges: Rioting, Obstruction of Administration, Resisting Arrest, Poss. of a Weapon (knife)

Arrest Male #2: 16 years of age from Teaneck, NJ
Charges: Rioting, Obstruction of Administration, Resisting Arrest, 2 Counts of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer

Note: This same group of males were acting disorderly at the GS Plaza apprx. 2 hours before this incident. Paramus police were called by Plaza Security about them and that incident was resolved without arrest.

Christopher J. Brock
Chief of Police
FBI National Academy 248
Paramus Police Department
Paramus, N.J. 07652
201-262-3400