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A YouTube video shows another man struggling before he's finally handcuffed -- after which another fight erupts as officers try to take 26-year-old Jason Eaves into custody Sunday night (WARNING: The video contains profanity).
All the while, several members of a crowd that police said numbered more than two dozen scream and curse at police.
Finally, the officer tases Eaves, who rolls onto his back.
All evidence from the incident was being forwarded to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office for review, Detective Capt. Timothy Torell said.
Police believe the officer "absolutely" used the Taser to stop a suspect who was "actively resisting."
Acting New Jersey Attorney General John J. Hoffman earlier this month announced changes to the state’s policy on stun gun use.
Under the new guidelines, police in New Jersey can use the devices on people who “actively resist arrest,” and/or pose a “substantial risk” of “causing bodily injury.”
They also must record every use with either a camera mounted on the device or a body cam.
Officers approached Varian Hooks, 25, of Mattage Place
in an area "consistent with drug distribution" and "the source of numerous complaints by law-abiding area residents for similar activities recently," Torell said.
Hooks refuses to put his hands behind his back to be handcuffed, at one point throwing cash and what police said was pot over a car roof.
As officers try to push the surging crowd back, Eaves tangles with several officers.
Eaves "interfered with the arrest and threw a punch at a police officer’s head," Torell said. "He resisted arrest, was tased and eventually brought under control."
Officers from Teaneck, Englewood Cliffs, Tenafly and the Palisades Interstate Parkway responded and helped defuse the situation with no further arrests.
No officers were injured.
Eaves -- who has prior criminal offenses on his record -- posted $1,500 bail and was released from the Bergen County Jail overnight Monday. He was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, obstruction and resisting arrest.
Hooks -- who records show also has a record -- posted $1,000 bail and was released on charges of resisting arrest, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct and pot possession.
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