A Neptune man was arrested last week after spraying two police officers with pepper spray.
Police said at approximately 8 p.m. Aug. 12 Neptune Police Det.Owen Rosenthal was driving in the area of the Loffredo Field football complex on West Bangs Avenue when he observed a male subject loitering on the bleachers near the press box. At the time there were no sporting events taking place and the complex was otherwise not in use.
Rosenthal observed the man, identified as Jakhiem Cook, 23 of Neptune, enter the press box and not exit.
Rosenthal radioed for other officers to respond and assume a perimeter while Cook was approached and the matter investigated. Upon confronting Cook on the bleachers, Cook ignored police commands to stop. He then jumped over the rear of the bleachers, scaled a fence to an adjoining wooded property in an apparent attempt to evade capture. Assisting Neptune P.O. Noah DeFazio and P.O. Cadell Kennedy pursued Cook into the wooded area in an effort to make an arrest.
When they caught up with the fleeing subject, Cook produced a can of pepper spray and sprayed both officers in the face. Despite the assault, the officers were able to disarm Cook of the pepper spray and make the arrest.
Both DeFazio and Kennedy were subsequently treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for the exposure to the pepper spray and released. Cook was uninjured.
Cook was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and unlicensed entry.
A further investigation revealed Cook recently began to use the press box as shelter.
Cook was later transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a detention hearing in accordance with bail reform.
