Alliance monitors investigation

FREEHOLD - The Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (Monmouth Chapter) met recently to discuss the recent accusations of police brutality in Freehold Borough.

The accusations of improper behavior by police officers arose after a Jan. 29 motor vehicle stop on First Street that resulted in the arrest of Migdalia Irizarry, 33, of Freehold Township, and her 15-year-old son.

Irizarry was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Her son was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with force and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Freehold Borough police Lt. Mark Wodell said a scuffle took place during the motor vehicle stop and several officers responded to the scene. The boy was taken to CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, for treatment and then placed in the Monmouth County Youth Detention Center.

Freehold Borough police Detective Daniel Heulitt was taken to CentraState Medical Center for treatment of an injured shoulder. Patrolman Chris Colaner sustained an injury to his right hand and an injury to his back and shoulder, but was not taken for treatment.

Wodell said the incident is under investigation by theMonmouth County Prosecutor's Office and borough police.

The Latino Leadership Alliance issued the following statement in regard to those allegations: "The alliance is closely monitoring the allegations of police brutality in Freehold Borough. We expect the borough police department and the prosecutor's office to conduct a thorough and fair investigation of the complaint filed by Migdalia Irizarry. Mutual respect between the community and police is vital for our society.

"The alliance promotes the concept of community forums with borough police and other officials that explain the rights and responsibilities of the residents and law enforcement. We support additional cultural training for the department.We agree with the decision to assign the accused patrolman (Chris Colaner) to administrative duty and remove him from patrol while the case is under investigation."

Members of the alliance met with borough officials on Feb. 11 to discuss the issue.