Middle Township Cop Injured While Checking the Well-being of a Resident

A call to check on the well-being of a Swainton resident ended with a Middle Township police officer's hand going through a pane of glass.

Middle Township Police say they responded to 1806 Route 9 North in the Swainton just after 5:00 Tuesday evening for the report of a man who was out of control. According to a press release, the first officer on the scene, Ofc. Dylan Young, came in contact with 38-year-old Robert Mesterhazy. While the officer was conducting his investigation, Mesterhazy attempted to go into the residence; the officer followed, at which point Mesterhazy slammed a door on Ofc. Young. Young put his hands up to shield himself from the door when his right hand and arm went through a pane of glass in the door. Ofc. Young was able to arrest Mesterhazy with the assistance of another officer.

Ofc. Young’s arm received several large lacerations. He was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Mesterhazy was charged with obstruction of justice, criminal mischief for damage to the residence, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. At the time of the press release, Mesterhazy was at Cape Regional Medical Center where he remains in custody.