Manchester Officers Get National Honor For Safely Disarming Woman

MANCHESTER, NJ — Two Manchester Township police officers have been honored by a national organization for their efforts to safely disarm a knife-wielding woman earlier this year.

Patrolmen Arthur Cronk and Anthony Iliadis were named Officers of the Month by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum Fund, the group announced.

In May, Iliadis and Cronk were investigating a report in Whiting that a woman was stabbing the hood of a car, when they found her walking down the middle of the street brandishing a knife and making threats against a family member, police said.

While Iliadis spoke to the 74-year-old woman, repeatedly asking her to drop the knife and keeping her attention focused on him, Cronk snuck up on her from behind and was able to grab her hand and take the knife away without hurting himself or the woman, police said at the time.

The woman was charged with possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and criminal mischief and was taken to the hospital for evaluation, police said.

"We are delighted to present these officers with this award for their bravery and quick thinking," said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. "We are grateful for their service and for the opportunity to, once again, highlight the wonderful stories of our law enforcement community."

The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty, the organization said.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Manchester Patch on Facebook.