Crime & Safety

Barnegat Police Charge Township Resident With Aggravated Assault

Police made contact with man at Wawa.

Barnegat police have arrested and charged a township man with aggravated assault on a police officer, following an incident at the Wawa on West Bay Avenue.

On May 26th at 4 a.m., police arrested Michael McLaughlin, 30, of Barnegat on multiple charges after he allegedly threatened officers with a large knife.

Officers made contact with McLaughlin after an employee of the Wawa on West Bay Avenue reported that he was allegedly creating a disturbance inside of the store. McLaughlin was directed to leave the store and after initially being uncooperative agreed to leave, police said on their Facebook page.

Police escorted McLaughlin's home, and while Patrolman Brian Weber was speaking to another resident of McLaughlin's house outside of the residence, McLaughlin allegedly went inside and retrieved a large butcher style knife. He then exited the residence and allegedly walked toward Weber while brandishing the knife and threatening him.

Ptl. Weber and Patrolman Michael Diblasi kept McLaughlin at gunpoint and gave multiple commands for him to drop the knife. McLaughlin retreated back into his residence and emerged a short time later with no visible weapons. He continued to ignore the commands of officers, police said.

At that time, police said McLaughlin was tackled by Patrolman George Martin, who had arrived on scene before McLaughlin had reemerged from the residence.

McLaughlin was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and disorderly conduct. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in default of $30,000 bail.


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