LACEY — A Forked River man was taken into custody after police say he attacked officers during a follow-up investigation early New Year’s Day.
Officers from the Lacey Township Police Department were in the area of Sarasota Drive around 7:15 a.m. on January 1 when a vehicle connected to their investigation arrived at the scene, authorities said.
Police identified the driver as Matthew D. Hawthorne, 44, of Forked River. Investigators said Hawthorne was advised he was under arrest. As officers approached the vehicle, Hawthorne exited and allegedly struck an officer in the head multiple times.
Police said Hawthorne continued to resist as officers attempted to take him into custody, prompting several deployments of a conducted energy device, commonly known as a Taser. The attempts were unsuccessful, and Hawthorne allegedly continued to assault officers before being subdued.
Hawthorne was charged with resisting arrest, two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, and obstructing the administration of law. He also received multiple motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving and improper use of the horn.
Three officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the encounter. One officer was transported to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries, and later released, police said.
Hawthorne was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a future court appearance.
All charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
