Man Repeatedly Hits McDonald's Employee In Head With Rock In Bridgewater: Police

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A man, who police say repeatedly hit a McDonald's employee with a rock in the head and then spit at officers, was arrested in Bridgewater.

Faris N. Salem, 42, of Main Street in South Bound Brook, was charged with third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree throwing bodily fluids at law enforcement, simple assault (disorderly persons offense) and resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense), announced Bridgewater Township Police Chief John Mitzak.

On Monday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m., multiple callers reported a person was throwing rocks at people and then a fight in progress at the Mcdonald's at 680 Promenade Boulevard.

Officers found Salem being restrained by bystanders and went inside Mcdonald's to treat an employee of Mcdonald's, said Mitzak.

An investigation found that Salem got a rock from the outside landscaping and walked up to the victim who was behind the counter and struck the victim several times in the head, said Mitzak.

The victim was taken to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick by the RWJ Rescue Squad.

During the arrest, Salem resisted arrest and spit at two officers. The officers were treated at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville and released, said Mitzak.

Mitzak thanked the bystanders that interceded in this event.

"Due to their quick actions to subdue Mr. Salem, they prevented any further injuries to innocent parties," said Mitzak.

Salem is being held in the Somerset County Jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgewater Township Police Detective Sergeant Steve Zeichner at 908-722-4111, ext. 4183.

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