Man Allegedly Charges At Police With Bat

A 35-year-old Brick man has been charged with aggravated assault and other offenses after he allegedly charged at police with a bat, according to a press release from Brick police.

On November 6th at approximately 2 a.m., officers responded to the Walgreens located at 2546 Hooper Avenue for a report of a burglary in progress. 

Upon arrival to the area, Patrolman James Iannarone located a subject in the intersection at Hooper Ave and Drum Point Road, according to police.  The subject - who was allegedly armed with a baseball bat - began swinging the bat and striking Ptl. Iannarone’s patrol vehicle.

Patrolman Anthony Demaio arrived on location, and attempted a dialogue with the subject. 

The subject turned toward Demaio, reportedly charged at him, and allegedly attempted to strike him in the head with the bat.  Demaio was able to wrestle the bat away from the subject, and with the help of other officers, placed him into custody. 

The subject was identified as James R. Donegan. 

Investigation at the scene revealed that prior to meeting the officers in the middle of the intersection, Donegan allegedly smashed out windows at both his apartment, and DeCarlo’s Pizzeria. Donegan was transported to Ocean Medical Center by officers for treatment. 

The Brick Township Police Criminal Investigation Unit responded and processed the Walgreens, DeCarlo’s Pizzeria and Donegan’s residence.  At Brick Police Headquarters, Donegan was charged with;

1. Aggravated Assault

2. Possession of a Weapon for a Unlawful Purpose

Bail was set by the Honorable Judge Robert Lepore at $50,000.00 with no option to post 10 percent.  Donegan was transported to the Ocean County Jail without incident.