EDISON — An Edison police officer resigned last week after he was charged with fighting an individual and yelling expletives at police in Belmar after they told him to be quiet.
Dimitry Smolkin, 31, who was sworn into the Edison Police Department on Dec. 28, 2015, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest at D’Jais Bar and Grill on June 11.
“The (police) officer in question no longer works for the Edison Police Department,” said Police Chief Thomas Bryan on June 16, declining to elaborate on the circumstances about the officer’s departure.
During the incident, Smolkin shoved Belmar police officers as they attempted to arrest him, according to the police report.
Michael Schwarz, president of Edison Police Benevolent Association No. 75, said Officer Smolkin placed himself in an unfortunate situation and is very remorseful for the embarrassment he caused the Edison Police Department.
“While employed here he went the extra mile to interact with the community and was proud to serve them,” Schwarz said in a statement. “He has decided that a resignation from the force would be best for everyone, while he resolves the issue in Belmar.”
Schwarz continued stating that Smolkin is “disappointed about the situation at hand, but feels it is unfair to his colleagues to drag this along and cause any more embarrassment for them and the department.”
“I respect his decision and wish the best for him in the future,” he said.