Man Charged In Westfield DUI; Charged Later In Police Assault

WESTFIELD, NJ — A Scotch Plains man was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer last Friday after, according to police, he allegedly grabbed a hammer and hit an officer in that town. Four days earlier, the man had been charged with DUI in Westfield and released, police say.

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

The police went to a business on Plainfield Avenue for a report of a disturbance Friday at 8:15 p.m., they said. They met Geissel and took him home, police said.

He allegedly grabbed a hammer and hit Officer Brian Reganthal on the left side of his head, said police. Read more here: READ MORE: Man Uses Hammer, Assaults Scotch Plains Officer In Head: Police

The Westfield police said this week in their list of recent incidents that Geissel was arrested on Woodbrook Circle in Westfield on March 15 for driving while under the influence.

"Subject was processed and released on summonses to a responsible party," police said. No more details were available.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Alexis Tarrazi contributed to this report.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.