Crime & Safety

Man Charged with Assaulting Howell Officer Indicted

Faces several charges relating to October event

West Long Branch resident Michael J. Dougherty, 35, was indicted on seven charges stemming from a traffic stop that ended with a confrontation with a member of the Howell Police Department. 

On Oct. 10, 2011 Dougherty was by Patrolman Thomas Matthews for a cell phone violation. At that time Dougherty "aggressively challenged" Matthews according to Detective Sgt. Eileen Dodd. It took the help of two witnesses and other officers from the department for him to finally be subdued. 

According to the indictment from the Monmouth County Grand Jury Dougherty faces one count of third degree resisting arrest as part of the incident. He also faces one count of third degree terroristic threats.

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The West Long Branch resident also faces a third degree charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for using a portable radio in the altercation with Matthews. For his use of the portable radio he also faces a third degree count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and one count of fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon. 

During the altercation with Matthews Dougherty is accused of attempting to remove Matthews' gun from its holster, which the officer was able to stop. Despite not being successful in gaining control of the weapon Dougherty is charged with a second-degree charge of disarming a law enforcement officer. 

Find out what's happening in Howellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The seventh count is a second-degree charge aggravated assault as a result of the incident.


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