Man charged with assaulting police officer to be in court today

A Middletown man was charged with two counts of assault on a police officer, fourth-degree felonies, after he allegedly fought an officer and sprayed an unknown liquid substance into an officer’s eye, according to Middletown police.

Clif Stewart, 43, allegedly refused to allow officers into an apartment in the 3900 block of Helton Drive Nov. 17, according to a police report. When Stewart locked the door with a chain, then cracked it, he sprayed “something” into an officer’s face, police said.

After police forced the door open, Stewart allegedly refused officer commands and he was shocked by a Taser, according to the report. The Taser had no effect on the suspect, police said.

Stewart and an officer fought on the floor, then Stewart allegedly grabbed for another officer’s duty weapon.

Other officers placed Stewart in handcuffs.

When questioned, Stewart told officers the spray was garlic cloves and dried aloe leaves.

Stewart will have his preliminary hearing this afternoon in Middletown Municipal Court.

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About the Author

Rick McCrabb

Rick McCrabb has worked at the Journal since 1987. He covers Middletown, Monroe, Trenton and Madison Twp., and writes a column every Sunday.