RED BANK — A local man was arrested Aug. 19 and charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and aggravated assault on a police officer.
Last Friday, according to police reports, a 22-year-old female Red Bank resident reported that she had been sitting in a vehicle on Leighton Avenue near Drs. James Parker Boulevard with her cousin, a 19-year-old male Red Bank resident, when Havon Couslar Jr., 18, allegedly began throwing bricks at her vehicle.
The damage is estimated to be in excess of $500 and included breaking the windshield.
The victim ultimately signed complaints against Couslar for simple assault and criminal mischief.
Later that evening Red Bank Police Detective Robert Clayton and Investigator James Fields spotted Couslar walking on River Street.
When the officers attempted to stop Couslar and arrest him for the assault and criminal mischief charges, the accused fled on foot. Both officers gave chase and were able to apprehend Couslar in the rear yard of a Leighton Avenue residence, about two blocks away.
Couslar allegedly struck the officers in the head and body during the struggle. It is also alleged that during the struggle Couslar discarded a small package, which was later recovered and was found to be nine decks of suspected heroin.
Also during the struggle, Couslar allegedly repeatedly grabbed at an item in his waistband, which was retrieved by Clayton and was found to be a loaded .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun.
Bail was set by state Superior Court Judge Jamie S. Perri, Freehold, in the amount of $67,500, and Couslar was later transported to the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township.