Man High On PCP Attacks Police On Blackhorse Lane, Cops Say

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka praised the restraint and actions of three officers who subdued a man they say was high on PCP this past Friday night, Jan. 25.

“The suspect had destroyed the home, overturning tables and chairs, breaking a TV and was waiting for officers when they arrived," said Chief Hayducka. "The confrontation was violent and the officers used tremendous skill and tactics to take the suspect into custody.”

The incident began at 8 p.m. Friday when Officer Aaron Parks, Officer Jarrid Harpster and Officer Brian Luck were called to a Blackhorse Lane home for a man destroying the house. Officers arrived and found two distraught family members in the driveway saying a relative, Danny Bloodgood, 41, of North Brunswick was threatening to kill them and was in the home destroying it. They believed he was high on PCP.

Officers entered the doorway of the residence and observed the kitchen, living room and hallway in disarray, with a table overturned and clothes scattered about. Bloodgood was standing in the corner, sweating profusely without any clothes, police said. As the officers entered the kitchen, Bloodgood threw a white microwave and a red crock pot at them, they said. Officers gave repeated commands for Bloodgood to get on the ground but he stared blankly and had erratic speech. Officer Parks attempted to gain control of Bloodgood, but Bloodgood fled to a back bedroom.

In the back bedroom, Bloodgood lunged at the officers and swung at Officer Parks, police said. Officer Harpster then sprayed Bloodgood with pepper spray but it had no impact on him. Bloodgood continued to struggle with the officers in the small bedroom. Officer Parks then tackled Bloodgood and took him to the ground. The officers were eventually able to get Bloodgood’s arms out from under him and handcuff him.

Paramedics arrived on scene and had to medicate Bloodgood to sedate him. He was transported to Princeton Medical Center where he was treated and released.

He was charged with aggravated assault on police, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, criminal mischief, harassment, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He was lodged in the Middlesex County Correction Center pending his first court appearance.

“This case highlights the everyday dangers of the work we do. Dealing with people under the influence of drugs who are delusional and combative can have deadly consequences," said Chief Hayducka. "In this case officers were able to use their training and defensive tactics to overcome the suspect. It is excellent police work that no one was seriously injured in this incident."

Photo of Bloodgood released by South Brunswick police.