SEA ISLE CITY – Three Pennsylvania men allegedly assaulted Sea Isle City police officers when they responded to a 911 call Monday, July 18, at 6001 Central Ave., (North Unit), for a report of domestic violence.
When the officers arrived, the accused allegedly attempted to lock the officers out of the rental property, while victims were requesting help, Capt. Anthony J. Garreffi Jr. said in a press release issued Tuesday.
He said officers forced their way in and were immediately allegedly assaulted by three family members. Three officers were injured during the incident and required medical treatment at Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May Court House. One officer sustained a broken fibula bone during the altercation, and the two other officers received minor injuries, he said. All three officers were treated and released from the hospital. All three defendants refused medical treatment.
The defendants were charged with the following crimes and all three remain in the Cape May County Correction Center pending Detention Hearings:
Robert G. Watmuff, Sr., 64, of West Chester, Pa.:
–Five (5) Counts of Aggravated Assault on Police, Third Degree;
– Resisting Arrest, Third Degree;
– Obstruction, Fourth Degree;
– Conspiracy to Aggravated Assault (2C )(Non DV), Second Degree;
– Domestic Violence Strangulation, Second Degree;
– Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault, Second Degree;
– Domestic Violence Criminal Restraint, Third Degree;
– Domestic Violence Terroristic Threats, Third Degree; and
– Domestic Violence Simple Assault, Disorderly Persons Offense.
Robert Watmuff, Jr., 41, of Malvern, Pa.:
–Five (5) Counts of Aggravated Assault on Police, Third Degree;
– Resisting Arrest, Third Degree;
– Obstruction, Fourth Degree;
– Conspiracy to Aggravated Assault (2C )(Non DV), Second Degree;
– Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault, Second Degree;
– Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault, Third Degree;
Colin Watmuff, 23, of West Chester, Pa.:
– Four (4) Counts of Aggravated Assault on Police, Third Degree.
This incident is currently under investigation by the Sea Isle City Police Department. More criminal charges may follow.
Second Degree crimes carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. Third Degree crimes carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless or until they are proven guilty.
– By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
