Police Use Non-Lethal Force in a Burglary Call

Officers in North Cape May, NJ responded to a 911 call reporting a suspected burglary. When they arrived, the situation was much more questionable. The suspect had allegedly kicked in his girlfriend’s door, and was possibly armed with a knife.

Officers had been to the residence just an hour before on a domestic dispute call, and could not find the boyfriend at that time. While the woman was offered a temporary restraining order, she declined. This time, though, officers spotted the suspect fleeing on foot.

When officers found the suspect hiding behind a car several houses away, they ordered him to come out and lay down upon the ground. The suspect refused to follow directions, coming out, but keeping his hands in his pockets. As the officers had concerns regarding a knife, they were very cautious.

An Unexpected Assault
The suspect became combative, kicking and punching at officers, while they attempted to cuff him. Officers managed to take the suspect to the ground and used pepper spray to stop his assault long enough to get the cuffs on.

No weapon was found on the suspect, but he could have easily disposed of a knife between the time he kicked in his girlfriend’s door and the point at which officers cornered him. Had a weapon been found additional charges would have been filed.

The suspect was decontaminated by members of the rescue squad and treated at the local hospital for minor injuries sustained both during his altercation with his girlfriend and his scuffle with the police.

Pepper Spray Made the Difference
Without pepper spray, it is likely that the officers at the scene would have had to physically restrain the suspect. His violent behavior and willingness to risk his personal safety made the situation significantly hazardous. Fortunately, the officers had the supplies they needed to take this suspect into custody without endangering themselves.