Traffic stop turns violent as police make DWI arrest

SAYREVILLE - A Staten Island, N.Y., manwas arrested after he allegedly attacked a borough police officer who had pulled him over. Police chargedDavid J.Nelligan, 33,with drivingwhile intoxicated and aggravated assault during the stop,which took place on the southbound side of Route 35 near DolanAvenue at 2:15 a.m. Dec. 30.

Sayreville Police Sgt. Patrick Kiernan stopped Nelligan for allegedly exiting the parking lot of Deko Lounge with the lights off on his grey 2004 LexusGS, and then driving through a red light and a stop sign, police said. During the stop, Kiernan askedNelligan to performa field sobriety test, andNelligan allegedly became antagonistic, refusing to keep his hands out of his pockets and failing to properly perform the test, according to Kiernan.Nelligan then allegedly resisted arrest, pulling away fromthe sergeant as he attempted to handcuff him.

The men fell to the ground, and Kiernan used a burst of OC, or pepper spray, toward Nelligan's face in order to subdue the suspect. This temporarily allowed police to handcuff Nelligan andwalk himtoward the patrol car.

However, Nelligan allegedly pulled away from the vehicle and lunged toward Patrolman Joseph Monaco, who responded by punching the suspect in the stomach.

Police put Nelligan into the back seat of the patrol car, where he allegedly continued to be boisterous and shouted profanities. His bail was set at $100,000 with no 10 percent option.

Monaco sustained minor injuries to his wrists, right thumb and left shoulder, and Sgt. David Erla sustained a minor injury to his left thumb.Nomedical attentionwas necessary for those involved in the incident, according to police.