A file photo of Cooper’s Bridge, Route 35. (Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
An Asbury Park man was arrested after a pair of Red Bank police officers chased him across the Route 35 bridge and found him carrying drugs and a handgun Sunday afternoon, police said.
Police said Wayne Accoo, 40, attempted to flee as Red Bank Police officers Piero Vescio and Chris Fuentes were placing him under arrest near the area of Cooper’s Bridge (Route 35) for an outstanding warrant at about 1:48 pm Sunday. Accoo had been walking across the bridge when the officers recognized him, police said. But as Fuentes was placing his hands behind his back, Accoo fled southbound on the bridge towards Red Bank, police said.
In an emailed statement, Red Bank Police Capt. Mike Frazee continued:
“Ptl. Fuentes caught up to Mr. Accoo during which time, he began to physically resist the officer’s control and made numerous attempts to grab something from his front right pocket. Ptl. Vescio quickly arrived on scene and assisted in gaining control of Mr. Accoo. Search incident to arrest, Mr. Accoo was found to be in possession of a .22 caliber handgun that was in his front right pocket, the same one he had made numerous attempts to get to. Also located in his backpack were 33 tabs of a suspected controlled dangerous substance.”
Frazee’s statement continued:
“I am thankful that no one was injured as a result of the physical encounter. The officers did a tremendous job, and I credit them with relying on their defensive tactics training when making the arrest. Officers noticed the threat of Mr. Accoo making attempts to get into his pocket and were able to gain control of his hands, eliminating that threat. Not being able to gain control of Mr. Accoo may have resulted in someone getting seriously injured. This is just great police work!”
Accoo was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Facility. He was charged with the following:
- Unlawful possession of a weapon, 2C:39-5B
Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, 2C:39-4A
Certain person not to possess a weapon, 2C:39-7
Resisting Arrest, 2C:29-2A
Hindering Apprehension, 2C:29-3B
Obstructing the Administration of Law, 2C:29-1
Aggravated Assault on Police, 2C:12-1(5)(a)
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, 2C:35-10A(1)
The New Jersey State Police Sex Offender Registry lists a Wayne Accoo, 40, of Neptune City of having been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old victim in 2004.
In 2012, an Asbury Park man with the same name and age was arrested and charged in a dog fighting ring police had broken up, according to published reports. In May, a Wayne Accoo, 40 of Asbury Park, was arrested in Red Bank for driving with a suspended license and contempt of court.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
