NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ–A seven-year veteran of the city’s police force has been treated and released from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital following a harrowing experience.
Officer Keven M. Hendricks was identified as the victim of the alleged “assault by auto,” having been dragged from a vehicle by 24-year-old Somerset resident Donnell Cook for roughly 50 feet.
Cook eventually crashed into a parked car and, according to police radio transmissions, he was captured in an apartment in building 8 of the New Brunswick Apartments, located at 33 Commercial Avenue.
The charges against Cook were announced earlier today by authorities:
- Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer (2 counts)
- Attempt to Disarm Police Officer
- Assault by Auto
- Obstruction of Justice
- Hindering Apprehension
- Resisting Arrest by Flight
- Driving under the Influence
- Refusing to Submit to Breathalyzer Test
- Reckless Driving
According to a statement by Police Director Anthony Caputo, Cook is being held on $150,000 bail with no 10% option.
“Officer Hendricks’ exceptional performance was a prime example of the types of situations our officers face while serving our community,” said Mayor Jim Cahill.
“We all wish him a fast recovery and note the sacrifice his family has made, as all families in law enforcement may be called on to make at a moment’s notice.”
Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.
