Passaic County authorities announced the arrest of Officer Spencer Finch, 44, of Mahwah.
Officials said on May 26, Finch, a Paterson Police Officer, committed aggravated assault by striking the victim in the face with his hand, hitting the victim multiple times with a flashlight, and kneeing the victim in the face.
The aggravated assault took place while the defendant was on duty and in uniform. The defendant then prepared, signed, and submitted a police report describing the incident that contained several false statements.
Officials said Finch is charged by way of complaint with one count of second-degree Official Misconduct, one count of second-degree Aggravated Assault, one count of third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and one count of Tampering With Public Records or Information.
A first appearance will be held virtually tomorrow at the Passaic County Central Judicial Processing Court.
The State intends to file a motion for pre-trial detention that would be heard virtually before the Honorable Scott Rumana, J.S.C Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
Any member of the public who wishes to make a complaint to this office regarding police misconduct of any Passaic County agency may contact the Public Integrity Unit of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office or the tips line at 1-877- 370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.