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Darius Edwards, 24, of Brooklyn, fled in a white Mercedes Benz after hitting Brick Officer Joseph Riccio and a detective overnight Monday, Sgt. Jim Kelly later said.
Riccio was treated for a knee injury at Ocean Medical Center, while the detective was not injured, Kelly said.
Initial responding officers estimated there were more than 400 partygoers at the Atlantic Drive home of Michelle Cicchillo, who told police the banger grew beyond her control.
Meanwhile, Brick police called for assistance from other nearby departments to disperse large crowds and cars blocking several streets.
That's when officers approached a Mercedes that struck the two officers as it sped off, and was later stopped in Brielle. Edwards was charged with two counts of assault by auto, eluding, obstruction and other motor vehicle offenses after hitting the officers, police said.
“Aside from the loud music there were reports of littering, public urination and trespassing,” Kelly said. “Drug use was also evident.”
Cicchillo tried to make guests leave, but guests were “defiant," police said. Cicchillo was charged with maintaining a nuisance and violating the township noise ordinances against excessive loudness and mass gatherings, he said.
Dakari Smith, 23, also of Brooklyn, refused to obey orders and was charged with obstruction, police said. He was released on a summons.
Also assisting were Lakewood police, Toms River police, Wall Township police, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Howell police, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police.
Police Chief James Riccio "would like to thank the law enforcement agencies that assisted and helped to bring this incident to a successful conclusion,” Kelly said.
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