Resident accused in cop assault

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — A township resident stands accused of attacking a police officer after he was asked to stop during routine traffic direction.

According to police, at about 10:45 a.m. Nov. 7 Police Officer Daniel Pasqui-nucci was directing traffic in the area of Route 524 and Halls Mill Road. He had given traffic control hand signals for a black BMW being driven by Joseph John Randazzo, 60, to stop. Pasquinucci turned to check traffic in the opposite direction, when the BMW pulled away and passed directly behind him. At that point the officer gave the driver verbal and hand commands to stop and the vehicle pulled to the right. As the officer approached to speak to Randazzo, he sped off, according to police.

Pasquinucci got into his police car and pursued the BMW while calling for assistance due to the unusual nature of Ran-dazzo’s actions. The BMW was eventually stopped on Willowbrook Road. Pasqui-nucci reported that Randazzo exited his vehicle in an irate manner. Police said the motorist’s anger escalated and after he was informed that he was under arrest, he began to resist arrest and the officers’ directions.

By that time Police Officer Christopher McCormack arrived on scene and assisted in arresting Randazzo, who had to be physically restrained, according to police. Randazzo was charged with aggravated assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, and obstruction of the administration of the law. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.

— Linda DeNicola