Crime & Safety

Father, Daughter Convicted For Beating Hillsborough Police

Breaking: George and Danielle Teeple caused career-ending injuries to one officer and injured another who was out for 9-months as a result.

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough father and daughter were found guilty Monday of crimes including aggravated assault in connection with punching, wrestling and spitting on township officers, acting Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson announced.

George Teeple, now age 72, and his daughter Danielle Teeple, now age 35, formerly of 122 Mountain View Road in Hillsborough were originally charged in July 2012 by a Somerset County Grand Jury along with Kevin Teeple, now age 40 with various crimes against Hillsborough Police arising from a motor vehicle stop. Kevin’s charges are currently being held in abeyance until further notice from the court.

George was found guilty of all charges, which included third degree aggravated assault, third degree resisting arrest, and third degree terroristic threats.

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Danielle was also found guilty of five of six charges, including third degree aggravated assault, third degree resisting arrest, fourth degree criminal mischief, second degree escape, and fourth degree throwing bodily fluids (spitting) on a Police Officer. The jury acquitted defendant Danielle of the charge of second degree attempting to disarm a police officer.

The brawl began on May 14, 2012 around 11 a.m. when Hillsborough Township Police Officer Brian McCarron conducted a motor vehicle stop of a pick-up truck and trailer in front of 122 Mountain View Road.

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George Teeple who was driving turned over his driver's licence and Corporal McCarron asked Kevin Teeple to turn his credentials over. Kevin refused and began to walk away from the stop towards his home, police reported.

McCarron followed Kevin and, again, demanded his driver’s license. While Kevin was refusing, George approached McCarron in the driveway and put his hands on the officer. McCarron then tried to arrest George Teeple for obstruction, Robertson said.

George Teeple actively resisted the arrest and fought McCarron along with back-up Officer Jason Beveret, Robertson said.

George's daughter and son, Danielle Teeple and Kevin Teeple, then came out of the house and assaulted Officer Beverett. As all three family members continued to resist arrest, Officer Christopher Englehart and his K-9 dog Fritz arrived at the scene. During the assaults, George repeatedly threatened Officer Englehardt and K-9 Fritz, according to the report.

Eventually, all three were placed in handcuffs. As Danielle Teeple was escorted by Officer Beverett to a marked police vehicle, she repeatedly spit in the officer's face. After being placed in the rear of the patrol car, Danielle kicked out the rear window and escaped from custody. She was immediately re-arrested by Officer Beverett, according to the report.

Medical personnel from Somerset Medical Center and the Hillsborough Township Rescue Squad then responded to 122 Mountain View Road. While awaiting medical personnel, George Teeple’s wife, Linda Teeple, drove around police vehicles and into the driveway in a careless manner. Linda exited her car and wouldn't listen to police to stay back. Linda was arrested and charged with several disorderly persons offenses which are currently pending in municipal court, Robertson said.

During the assault, Corporal McCarron sustained career-ending injuries which required surgery. Officer Beverett was also injured and out of work for approximately nine months, Robertston said.

“In March 2012, Hillsborough Township and Somerset County lost one or our best Officers, Brian McCarron, who sustained permanent injuries while attempting to arrest these defendants. A second Officer, Jason Beverett, was also injured. The criminal conduct committed by these defendants against uniformed law enforcement warrants the most severe sentence available," Robertson stated. "I am gratified that the jury convicted the defendants of the crimes they committed against two great Officers who were performing their public duties and were injured as a result. The conviction sends the message that resisting arrest and assaulting police officers will not be tolerated.”

The defendants remain free pending sentencing scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017.

A conviction to a crime of third degree carries a potential sentence of incarceration between three and five years in State Prison.

Danielle Teeple’s conviction on the charge of second degree escape required a mandatory State Prison sentence of between three and 10 years.

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