South Orange Pair Arrested Outside Newark Airport, Cop Punched: Port Authority

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Port Authority police arrested two South Orange residents after one allegedly hit a cop during an incident outside Newark Airport’s Terminal A on Tuesday evening.

According to the Port Authority of NY/NJ, an officer on duty at the airport allegedly saw two people sitting in a Cadillac sedan with dark-tinted windows and New Jersey plates stopped in a “No Standing Zone” around 4:50 p.m.

Noting that the zone was an “active loading and unloading” area only, the officer approached the car and asked the driver, Eric C. Hayden, 45, of South Orange, to lower the window. The officer then asked Hayden for his driver’s license, the vehicle’s registration card and proof of insurance, which Hayden allegedly refused to produce, authorities said.

The officer arrested Hayden after he refused a second request to produce the documents, police said.

Officers then asked the passenger and registered owner of the car, Misha B. Hayden, 42, of South Orange, to produce her driver’s license so she could take custody of the vehicle. At that time, she allegedly got out of the Cadillac, rushed towards a marked police car where Eric Hayden was being held, and struck the nearby officer in the chest with her fist, authorities stated.

Police then arrested Misha Hayden, later finding the vehicle’s proof of insurance and registration in the car, authorities said.

Police also discovered that Eric Hayden’s driver’s license was suspended and there was an active warrant for him from the Union Police Department.

Authorities charged Eric Hayden with Criminally Hindering Apprehension, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Bail Jumping and Driving with a Suspended License, as well as other traffic violations.

Authorities charged Misha Hayden with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and Obstructing Administration of Law.

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