Incident leads to arrest

Chief Friel: Man became ‘irate’ on Route 206

A man was arrested after he became ‘irate’ after police responded to a potential disabled vehicle on Route 206 and Rockwood Road at 4:36 p.m. on November 2, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said. (THG/Kristin Guglietti)

HAMMONTON—A man was arrested after he became ‘irate’ after police responded to a potential disabled vehicle on Route 206 and Rockwood Road at 4:36 p.m. on November 2, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said.

Officer Anthony Paulsgraf responded to a potential disabled vehicle on Route 206, Friel said.

Paulsgraf observed a black Nissan Versa which was parked over the white fog line, causing a road hazard, Friel said.

Paulsgraf made contact with Sherif Abouzid, 27, of Jersey City, who stated he had ran out of gas and wanted to be driven to a gas station. Abouzid did not have his driver’s license on him, but provided his date of birth and was found to have a suspended driver’s license, Friel said.

Abouzid was advised of his suspended driver’s license, and was asked to contact someone to give him a ride or drive the vehicle, as it was impeding traffic, Friel said.

Friel said after numerous attempts to obtain a solution, a tow truck was called to remove the vehicle from impeding, Friel said.

“When the tow truck arrived, Mr. Abouzid became very irate and irrational, attempting to escalate the situation. He even called 911 while the police were there assisting him. He was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct, transported to police headquarters for processing and charged with disorderly conduct improper behavior, falsely calling 911, driving while suspended, driver’s license required, failure to exhibit documents and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle,” Friel said.

Abouzid was released pending a court appearance in Hammonton Joint Municipal Court, Friel said.