Police in Newark reports the arrest Melvin Woodson, 46 of Newark for three counts of aggravated assault on a police officer after the suspect ordered his dog to attack the police officers while resisting arrest by keeping officers at bay with a hatchet.
According to police, Newark Police were alerted by Maplewood Police that a person on Irvington Avenue was reporting an incident of road rage which occurred in Newark.
Arriving officers located the suspect sitting in his car in a parking lot on Irvington Avenue.
Police said as officers approached, the suspect opened his car door and ordered his dog to attack them as he exited his car with a hatchet in his hand.
The officers were able to subdue the suspect who was taken to University Hospital for evaluation according to police.
EMS transported two officers to University Hospital where doctors treated them for injuries sustained when the suspect bit the two officers.
Authorities said the officers were able to secure the dog in a police car to avoid being bit.
Police charged the suspect with three counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, and Woodson is expected to face numerous additional charges.
There were no other injuries reported as a result of the incident police said.
Director Ambrose is urging anyone with information about criminal activity to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.