ARMED AND DANGEROUS’ BRIDGETON MAN ARRESTED AFTER THREATENING CHILD, FIGHTING OFFICERS IN SOMERSET COUNTY

A Bridgeton man flagged as “armed and dangerous” was arrested Friday after allegedly threatening a child and injuring several officers during a violent struggle at the Somerville Train Station, authorities said.

According to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, the incident began on August 15 when a woman in Manville called 911, reporting that Derick Donel Lewis Jr., 35, had threatened her child. Before police arrived, Lewis fled.

Investigators soon learned he was wanted on a robbery warrant out of Asbury Park and believed to be armed. Multiple agencies launched a search, eventually locating him in Somerville.

When officers confronted Lewis, he resisted arrest and tried to draw a replica Glock handgun from his waistband. McDonald said officers exercised “utmost restraint” despite facing a potential deadly force encounter.

During the struggle, a Somerville police officer suffered facial injuries and a broken finger after being struck by Lewis’s elbow. Another officer was spat on, while two more officers sustained minor injuries.

Lewis was treated for abrasions and then booked into the Somerset County Jail, where he awaits a detention hearing.

He faces multiple charges, including:

• Three counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement (second degree)

• Additional counts of assault on officers, resisting arrest, and possession of an imitation handgun

Authorities credited the coordinated response of Manville Police, Somerville Police, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s K-9, NJ State Police Aviation, and surrounding municipal departments with bringing Lewis into custody.