On July 14th, Roselle Park Police responded to a report of a dispute at an apartment building on the 100 block of East Westfield Avenue. Patrolmen John Deegan and Jeffrey Rapach located one of the parties involved in the driveway near the rear of the building.
Donald Paterno, age 59, a resident of the building, appeared intoxicated and yelled for the police to leave him alone. Paterno continued yelling at the officers causing a disturbance. As Patrolman Deegan tried to calm Paterno, he clenched his fist and threatened to punch the officer. The officers, along with Sergeant David Pitts, arrested Paterno, who then violently resisted arrest.
Paterno was transported to headquarters where he was processed and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Justice. He was released pending an appearance in Roselle Park Municipal Court.