Man Charged With Assault of Butler Police Officer

After allegedly striking and pushing a patrolman with his shoulders and hands, a Butler man was arrested on charges of aggravated assault of a police officer and resisting arrest at the intersection of Belleview and Bartholdi Avenues Wednesday.

According to Ptl. George Beyloune was assigned to the post, which is undergoing construction, and allowed Howard B. Ontell, 49, to temporarily park near the construction so that he could unload items he had with him to his home around 5:16 p.m. Police said that construction equipment arrived at the scene and Ptl. Beyloune asked Ontell to move his vehicle.

Ontell did move his vehicle, police said, but police also said he allegedly drove through a newly paved portion of the construction zone in an reckless manner, causing damage to the new road and putting construction personnel in danger.

At that time, Ptl. Beyloune stopped Ontell’s vehicle and requested his driving credentials, which police said he resisted in providing several times. Police said Ontell then allegedly struck Ptl. Beyloune in the chest with his shoulder and proceeded to push Ptl. Beyloune in the chest with both hands.

Ptl. Jorge Reyes, who was also on the scene, told Ontell he was under arrest, but police said he refused to comply and resisted arrest repeatedly.

Police said Ontell was subdued and transported to the Butler police station. His bail was set at $10,000 with no 10 percent option, which police said he was unable to post, and he was sent to the Morris County Correctional Facility with a ticket to appear in court at a later date.

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