PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, NJ (Morris County) – A Morris County man was arrested following an alleged assault on a motorist and a crossing guard in Parsippany-Troy Hills Thursday afternoon, according to Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Chief Richard Pantina.
On Sept. 14, at 3:10 p.m., police received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a motor vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle at the intersection of Route 202 and Brooklawn Drive, Pantina said.
When officers arrived on scene, they were advised that the 58-year-old motorcyclist was stopped on Route 202 so the on-duty Parsippany Police Department Crossing Guard could safely cross the children, Pantina said.
John Connelly, 36, of Boonton Township allegedly stopped his pickup truck behind the motorcycle and got out of his vehicle. At that time, it was reported that he began to physically assault the motorcyclist, Pantina said.
According to reports, the 76-year-old crossing guard attempted to intervene and was allegedly shoved to the ground by Connelly, Pantina said.
Connelly then continued to assault the motorcyclist until other motorists intervened. Connelly allegedly then fled the scene in his truck, Pantina said.
As a result of the investigation, the Morris Plains Police Department was able to locate and stop the Connelly a short time later, Pantina said.
Connelly was arrested and charged with third-degree aggravated assault, and simple assault. He was released pending a court appearance, Pantina said.
Anyone with information related to this investigation, is encouraged to contact the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at 973-263-4300.
