Greenwich Man Assaults Darien Police Officer During Arrest: PD

DARIEN, CT — A 57-year-old Greenwich man was arrested on charges of interfering with an officer, threatening and related violations on Feb. 21 after he struck a Darien police officer in the groin following a disturbance at the Goose Restaurant, according to authorities.

Andrew Herz, of Flower Lane, additionally was charged with sixth-degree larceny and breach of peace following the 9 p.m. incident. He returned the restaurant about two-and-a-half hours later and caused a second disturbance and was again arrested, this time for breach of peace.

Officers initially called to the popular Post Road restaurant on a report that a patron, later identified as Herz, was refusing to pay his bill after eating dinner with another person (who was not charged in the incident).

"When the manager attempted to make arrangements with Herz to ensure eventual payment, Herz began to make threatening remarks," police said. "The manager then informed Herz that he would be calling the Police, in response to which Herz became increasingly verbally abusive.

"Once on scene, officers attempted to make arrangements with Herz to pay his bill, but Herz
continued to be unreasonable and verbally abusive. When officers informed Herz that he was
going to be placed under arrest, he resisted handcuffing which caused a commotion in the
restaurant. During the struggle an officer was struck in the groin by Herz, but did not sustain an
injury. Herz was eventually taken into custody and transported to the Darien Police Department."

Herz was released on a written promise to appear in Stamford Superior Court on March 3, but his night in Darien didn't end there, according to police.

At about 11:40 p.m., officers returned to the Goose on a report of a "disorderly individual" who turned out to be Herz.

"Upon arrival, officers discovered Andrew Herz on the sidewalk arguing with Goose employees," police said. "Herz informed officers that after being released from police custody, he had come to the Goose to retrieve his keys and other personal belongings. When officers spoke with Goose employees, they stated that Herz had not left anything inside the restaurant. When they attempted to explain this to Herz, he became verbally abusive and spit on two of them. Herz also threw rocks at the windows of the restaurant. A patron/witness confirmed this version of events."

Herz denied causing a disturbance and throwing rocks, "stating he just came to retrieve his belongings." Officers told Herz that none of his
belongings were in the building and issued him a misdemeanor summons on a charge of breach of peace.

Again, he was released on a written promise to appear in court on March 3.