Councilman Assaulted While Campaigning In Union County Prior To Election: Police

SUMMIT, NJ — A Chatham man was charged after police say he physically assaulted a Summit Councilman before the General Election.

On Sunday, Nov. 5 at around 3:55 p.m., Summit Common Councilmember Andrew Minegar said he was canvassing for the Nov. 7 election when he was verbally confronted by Robert Laudati, a 58-year-old Chatham resident, in the driveway of a home on Canoe Brook Parkway that is owned by Laudati’s parents, said Summit Police.

Minegar said that after walking halfway up the driveway, Laudati approached him and asked him to leave the property. Laudati allegedly said his family did not want to be bothered by Minegar or support his political party, which is Democrat, said police.

Minegar said he left the property immediately and walked next door to speak to residents. Laudati allegedly followed Minegar onto the neighboring property telling him not to bother them either because it was a Sunday, said police.

Laudati became physically aggressive, pushing Minegar and knocking his cellphone from his hands multiple times while the councilmember was recording the encounter, said police.

Laudati also allegedly threw Minegar’s campaign materials into a nearby wooded area.

Minegar was not injured during the incident.

Laudati was charged with simple assault and a summons was mailed on Wednesday, Nov. 8 to his Chatham address following an investigation.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.