Teaneck Teens Charged After Crowd Menaced Paramus Officers, Police Say

PARAMUS -- Two Teaneck teens were arrested after they were among an unruly crowd that converged on Paramus police officers during a Route 4 traffic stop early Saturday, sending one of the teenagers and two officers to the hospital, authorities said.

Paramus Police said the two officers were conducting a motor vehicle stop on Route 4 East at about 2:20 a.m. when they were approached by a group of about 10 males who hurled obscenities at them. The group continued despite being told by the officers, Anthony Liggio and Daniel Cullen, to move along, police said. 

Police attempted to arrest one of the males, but the others began to surround the two officers in a "threatening manner,” according to police. The crowd began to flee as back-up arrived and the officers gave chase, catching the two youths. 

The two teens, both 16-year-olds from Teaneck, were charged with rioting, obstruction and resisting arrest. One was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and the other with possession of a knife, police said.

Cullen suffered a sprained hand while Officer Nicholas Luciano had two sprained wrists, police said. Both officers were treated and released. One of the teens apprehended was also treated for an eye injury and released, according to police. 

Approximately two hours earlier, Garden State Plaza security reported the same group was acting disorderly at the mall, police said. That incident was resolved without arrest. Police are working to identify the other members of the crowd. 

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