Raritan NJ
8-18-2025 4:32pm

Bridgerton Man Arrested in Somerset County For Various Assault Charges and Violence Against Law Enforcement

Derick Donel Lewis Jr., age 35 of Bridgeton,

SOMERVILLE, N.J. - Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., Manville Chief of Police Craig Jeremiah, Somerville Chief of Police Dennis Manning, and Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo announced the arrest of Derick Donel Lewis Jr., age 35 of Bridgeton, New Jersey following a 911 call in relation to a dispute.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that Somerset County Communications Center dispatching for Manville Police received a 911 call of a woman having a dispute with an unknown male, later identified as Derick Donel Lewis Jr., stating that he had threatened her child. Manville police were dispatched to the scene but prior to patrols’ arrival Lewis had fled the location. Initial responding Manville patrol officers learned that Lewis was allegedly in possession of a scratched firearm and wanted on an NCIC warrant from Asbury Park (Monmouth County) for robbery and was listed as an armed and dangerous individual.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Friday, August 15, 2025, detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, along with members of Manville Police Department, and members of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K9, responded to the area of Manville to conduct a canvas search for Lewis.

The subsequent investigation into this incident revealed that Lewis was located within the Somerville, NJ area. Law enforcement began searching the area, resulting in Lewis being located at the Somerville Train Station. Members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the Somerville Police Department approached and confronted Lewis who aggressively resisted arrest, resulting in injuries to law enforcement. During the arrest, Lewis was found to be in possession of a replica Glock handgun which he attempted to draw from his waistband during the violent struggle.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that the law enforcement officers that confronted and arrested Lewis demonstrated the utmost restraint as they were faced with a potential deadly force encounter. As a result of the struggle with defendant Lewis a Somerville Police Officer sustain bruising and swelling to her face after being struck by defendants’ elbow, the officer also sustained a broken middle finger on her left hand caused by defendant Lewis actively resisting arrest. Defendant Lewis also assaulted an additional Somerville Officer by spitting in the face of the male officer. Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant and a Detective assigned to assist in the investigation and locate defendant Lewis also received minor scrapes and bruises as they attempted to place defendant under arrest along with the Somerville Officers.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that defendant Lewis was charged with the following:

  • Three (3) counts of Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, 2nd degree offense.
  • One (1) count of Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, 3rd degree offense.
  • One (1) count of Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, 4th degree offense.
  • Resisting Arrest, 4th degree offense; and
  • Possession of an Imitation Handgun, 4th degree.

Defendant Lewis was subsequently transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment for minor abrasions received during the arrest. Defendant Lewis was subsequently released from the hospital and lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in Somerset County Superior Court.

Prosecutor McDonald would like to thank the Somerville Police Department, the Manville Police Department, the Somerset County Sheriff’s K9, the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, the Raritan Borough Police Department, the Bridgewater Police Department, and the Hillsborough Police Department for assisting in the investigation which subsequently led to the apprehension of defendant Lewis.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, Chief Manning, and Chief Jeremiah request that anyone with information relating to this investigation contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office (908) 575-3300, or the Somerville Police Department at (908) 752-0331, or the Manville Police Department (908)725-1900 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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