Hopewell Township man charged with assaulting officer

Drake taken to Helene Fuld Crisis Center

By John Tredrea
   Russell Drake, 46, of Hopewell-Wertsville Road, Hopewell Township, has been charged with assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct.
   Mr. Drake, who was described by police as extremely drunk, allegedly assaulted one of the two officers dispatched to Hopewell Borough to deal with him on Nov. 18.
   Capt. George Meyer of the township Police Department said Monday that the incident occurred at 3:57 p.m. when Sgt. Michael Cseremsak and Patrolman Vincent Amabile were sent to a Hart Avenue residence on a report of an intoxicated person sitting outside.
   When they arrived, the officers found Mr. Drake sitting on the front steps of the residence in a highly intoxicated state. The officers initially attempted to take Mr. Drake home but, fearing for his health and safety due to his intoxicated state, decided to request an ambulance to transport him to the Crisis Center at Capital Health System, Fuld Campus, in Trenton.
   Mr. Drake became agitated at that point and attempted to leave the area. He also allegedly assaulted Sgt. Cseremsak by attempting to grab him. He was advised, police said, that he was under arrest, but continued to struggle with both officers. Mr. Drake was wrestled to the ground and placed in handcuffs. He was then transported to the Crisis Center.
   The case will be forwarded to the Mercer County prosecutor’s office. The officers were uninjured.