Man Uses Hammer, Assaults Scotch Plains Officer In Head: Police

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A Scotch Plains was charged after police say he grabbed a hammer and hit a township police officer on the side of the head.

Tyler J. Geissel, 23, of Scotch Plains was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of weapons for unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of weapons.

Scotch Police Police went to a business on Plainfield Avenue for a report of a disturbance on March 19 at 8:15 p.m. When they got there they met Geissel and took him to his home on Shawnee Path, said Scotch Plains Police Captain Jeffrey Briel.

After Geissel was brought home police say he became agitated, grabbed a hammer and hit Officer Brian Reganthal on the left side of his head, said Briel.

Reganthal was treated at the hospital and is recovering at home. Briel said the department is expecting him to return to duty shortly.

Officers Andrew Gitto and Krysti Janusz came to help Reganthal handcuff Geissel. Geissel was then taken to headquarters and processed.

Geissel was also previously arrested for driving while under the influence on March 15 at 1:10 a.m. in Westfield. He was processed and released on summonses to a responsible party, according to Westfield Police.

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