Car Accident Dispute Erupts into Scuffle with Police

A car accident on Tuesday, April 16 developed into an attempted assault between the two drivers and then a scuffle between police and two other men. 

When police arrived at the scene of the car accident on Church Lane, witnesses said that one of the drivers attempted to assault the other, but that several people intervened. Then, several men exited another car and attempted to join the assailant in harming the other driver.

According to police, officers attempted to calm the men down and one of the men, a 17-year-old of Manalapan, began acting in a menacing manner towards a police officer. While police went to arrest this individual, 21-year-old Alexis Valera of Manalapan, attempted to intervene and a brief fight broke out between the officers, Valera, and the juvenile; no injuries were reported.

Both Valera and the juvenile were arrested by Ptl. Kevin McIntosh and Ptl. Kyle Earley and transported to the Manalapan Police Department. Valera was charged with being a disorderly person, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest. Sgt. Thomas Mantle, Ptl. Jeanie Letts, Special Officer Chris Makwinski and Captain Michael Fountain also responded to the scene to assist.