Newark, New Jersey – Two Newark police officers and an Essex County detective were allegedly jumped by a mob while trying to make a firearms arrest Tuesday. Fox News reported that four men were arrested in connection with the incident, two at the scene and two later in the week. The National Fraternal Order of Police said that the officers were “pummeled, kicked in the head and choked by a violent mob.”
“Despite the rising, targeted violence against the brave men & women of law enforcement, they continue to protect and serve,” the organization tweeted Wednesday. “We can’t #Defund this type of heroism and dedication.”
Newark Fraternal Order of Police President James Stewart said that the officers called for backup and exercised restraint during the struggle.
“I am especially thankful that the officers involved were very intentional about resolving the incident as peacefully as possible,” Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara told NJ Advance Media. “They were clearly in danger, but because of their exceptional restraint, not one of the suspects involved was injured. The performance of these officers is commendable, especially in today’s climate, where similarly minor incidents have resulted in unpredictable outcomes.”
The officers sustained minor injuries and were briefly hospitalized.
The officers were thrown to the ground by two brothers of the suspect as they tried to stop the arrest.
Four men face three counts apiece of aggravated assault of police officer, as well as other charges.
They were identified as Newark residents Branden Rodwell, 31, Jaykil Rodwell, 28, and Jasper Spivey, 24, as well as Justin Rodwell, 30, of Irvington.
