LAKEHURST – A Freehold Township man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he caused a disturbance and violently resisted arrest at a Lakehurst fast-food restaurant early Sunday morning.
The Lakehurst Police Department said officers were called to the McDonald’s on Route 70 shortly before 6 a.m. on December 28 following reports of a man yelling inside the restaurant and at motorists in the surrounding area. Authorities said several 9-1-1 calls were received from nearby locations before officers arrived.
Police identified the suspect as Gregory A. Lopez, 35, of Freehold Township. Officers said Lopez became increasingly agitated during their investigation and initially refused to follow commands. After officers were able to calm the situation and escort him outside, police said Lopez again became combative and continued to resist.
According to police, a physical struggle ensued as officers attempted to take Lopez into custody. During the altercation, Lopez allegedly tried to remove a service firearm from one officer and a Taser from another before he was restrained and handcuffed.
One officer suffered minor injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center for evaluation and later released. Lopez was also taken to a hospital for medical clearance.
Police charged Lopez with three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, two counts of attempting to disarm an officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of the administration of law and being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.
After treatment, Lopez was lodged in the Ocean County Jail. Additional officers assisted at the scene, police said.
All charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
