Man Jumps On West Orange Cop Car; Here’s How Officers Responded

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A professional response and good training helped a pair of West Orange police officers to defuse a potentially dangerous situation on Tuesday when they found an “apparently intoxicated” man jumping on a cop car, authorities said.

The West Orange Police Department released the following details about the encounter:

“Earlier tonight, we received numerous calls of an apparently intoxicated male jumping on top of a parked and unoccupied WOPD patrol car. Although this unpredictable situation could have become a dangerous encounter, we are proud of our officers’ professional responses.”

Police continued:

“The first two officers on scene attempted to use their verbal de-escalation skills to engage the subject. They were patient and professional throughout the incident. As they realized that the subject was showing clear signs of intoxication possibly due to narcotics, they eventually had to use compliance holds to secure the subject and stop further damage to township property. The subject was handcuffed and transported to headquarters. Neither the subject nor officers on scene showed any signs of injury due to this brief and measured physical encounter. We applaud our officers professionalism and reliance upon their training.”

West Orange police concluded:

“Although the arrestee has an extensive criminal history, we do not know what prompted his actions. As a result of his actions tonight he was transported to a local hospital for a psychological exam and for his current medical condition. He will be formally charged with criminal mischief and resisting arrest.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch West Orange Facebook page.