Skillman man faces aggravated assault, weapons charges

Carter Road area jogger first faces dog, then its owner

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
   A 33-year-old Skillman man was taken into custody by Hopewell Township police after allegedly punching a jogger in the face and motioning a knife toward the jogger in a threatening manner.
   Daniil B. Reef, 33, of Colonial Court, Skillman, was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and criminal mischief by Patrolman James Rosso at 1:57 p.m. Sept. 12.
   Township Lt. Lance Maloney said Officer Rosso went to the former Lucent Technology farmhouse on Carter Road to investigate a report of an assault. The officer spoke with a 44-year-old Princeton man, who said he had been jogging near the farmhouse when a dog running loose started nipping at his legs.
   The man spoke with the owner of the dog, Mr. Reef, and asked him to control the animal. During the ensuing verbal confrontation, Mr. Reef allegedly displayed a small pocketknife and motioned with it toward the jogger in a threatening manner. Mr. Reef then punched the jogger in the face, breaking his sunglasses, police said.
   The assaulted jogger flagged down a passing motorist, who called police.
   After being booked, Mr. Reef was released. His case will be forwarded to the Mercer County prosecutor’s office for review.
   The victim was treated for a bloody mouth at the scene by the Hopewell Emergency Medical Unit. He did not require hospitalization.