Investigation into officer’s behavior enters 2nd month

FREEHOLD- More than amonth into an investigation that is examining allegations of police brutality, law enforcement officials told the News Transcript this week that the investigation is continuing.

Monmouth CountyAssistant Prosecutor Peter E.Warshaw Jr. said that because the investigation is ongoing, he could not reveal any information about it.

Freehold Borough Police Chief Mitch Roth said the police department has joined the prosecutor’s office in the investigation. The chief said he was unable to provide any other information about the case.

The case involves a motor vehicle stop that occurred on First Street in the borough on Jan. 29. The motor vehicle stop ended with a woman and her 15-year-old son being charged with various offenses. A police officer who was at the scene of the motor vehicle stop was reassigned to other duties within the department after the woman accused him of inappropriate conduct by a policeman.

Migdalia Irizarry, 33, of Freehold Township, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Her 15-year-old son was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with force, and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Freehold Borough police Lt. Mark Wodell said a scuffle took place during the motor vehicle stop and several additional officers responded to the scene.

The teenager was taken to CentraState Medical Center for treatment. Officer Chris Colaner sustained an injury to his right hand, back and shoulder but was not taken to the hospital. He was later reassigned to other duties. Detective Daniel Heulitt was taken to CentraState Medical Center for treatment of a shoulder injury.

Among the individuals who have commented on the incident is retired police officer De Lacy Davis of East Orange, who represents Black Cops Against Violence.

In an interview with Davis on Feb. 27, the retired law enforcement officer said he was concerned about the police videotapes of the incident. He said the attorney who is representing Irizarry had not yet received the videotapes.He said the tapes need to be turned over to the attorney for review.

Roth said the prosecutor’s office is in possession of the tapes.

When Warshaw was asked to address the police videotapes, he reiterated that the case is under investigation and said he could not discuss it.

Davis said the incident is “taking its toll on the Irizarry family.”

“She (Irizarry) has had to balance her faith in the judicial system and her faith in people she’s grown up with all her life,” Davis said. “The psychological impact does not change. She is still concerned with the hurt and pain brought upon her and her son. She’s doing all the things necessary to work on healing.”

Davis said Irizarry worries about her son every time he leaves the house.He said the family is “staying prayerful.”

“They have also been receiving a great deal of support that crosses racial, gender, age and ethnic lines, and this is a blessing to her and is helping her to stay strong,” he said.

– Clare Marie Celano