NJ Police Officer Charged With Simple Assault For Slapping Man In Bunny Suit

HOPATCONG, NJ— A New Jersey police officer is being charged with simple assault after slapping a man dressed in a bunny suit, the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office said.

Hopatcong Police Officer Nicholas J. Maresca, Jr., is being charged with one count of simple assault for slapping a man who was turning himself in to police... while dressed as a bunny.

Kevin Hemmerich was wanted by the Sheriff's Office after crashing his car without insurance, and failing to complete a 12-day-sentence. Instead of going quietly, Hemmerich donned his bunny best to go to the police station, blowing an airhorn to make sure his presence was not missed.

His brother, Jason, can be heard in the background egging Hemmerich on, even after a clerk tells Hemmerich to stop.

Maresca told Hemmerich to stop in much harsher terms: by slapping him.

"It's lit, brother, I'm sorry," Hemmerich says after the slap.

"I don't really care," Maresca replies, before another police officer covers the video camera and tells Kevin to turn it off.

Now, Maresca might be the one turning himself in: if found guilty, simple assault can carry jail time of up to fix months.

You can watch the full video here, which was originally streamed live on Facebook and later uploaded to YouTube (warning: the video contains strong language).

Image: YouTube screenshot.