The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office conducted an investigation into the Feb. 22nd incident between Camden County Metro Police Department officers and Edward Minguela who alleged the officers used excessive force against him.
Authorities charged Minguela with resisting arrest and obstruction of the administration of law relating to this matter.
According to officials, on Feb. 22nd, Camden County Metro Police officers were dispatched to Collings and New Hampshire Roads in Camden in response to a 911 call for a man with a gun.
Upon their arrival, the officers saw two men who matched the descriptions given by the caller. One of the males, Edward Minguela, fit the description of the man with the gun.
Police said video from the Fairview Liquor Store showed officers approached Minguela with their guns drawn, while officer Nicholas Romantino holstered his weapon and attempted to bring Minguela’s left arm behind his back to be handcuffed.
According to officials, Minguela pulled his arm away from the officer who then grabbed him from behind and took him to the ground. After Mr. Minguela appears to pull his arm away from the officer’s grasp a second time, Officer Romantino struck Minguela nine times. While striking him, the officer is heard on body worn camera ordering Minguela to put his hands behind his back.
The officer tried again to secure his arm and Minguela pulled away. Police said Minguela was punched three more times before Officer Romantino handcuffed him. Authorities said Minguela was not found in possession of a gun.
Authorities said Minguela’s allegations were reviewed and considered as part of the investigation into this incident by the Special Prosecutions Unit of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo has concluded that the officers acted in accordance with the Attorney General’s Use of Force Policy in this matter. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed against any of the involved officers.
This matter will be returned to the Internal Affairs Unit of the Camden County Metro Police Department for their administrative investigation to determine if any officer violated their policies and procedures and to take appropriate administrative action.
All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.