Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New Jersey

park ranger

my 15 year old was in a atlantic county park was approached by a park ranger was grabed by the arm, and was told he was under arrest then was tacked to the ground by the ranger there was 6 witness to the incident was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, and resising arrest 2 questions first can a park ranger arrest and detain and if so for what. 2 what was he being arrested for is still not clear this p-erson clearly went beyond his scope of athority and pressed these charges to protect hisself cause it is his word against the word of children what do you think


Asked on 2/20/02, 4:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: park ranger

I think we all want to believe the best about our children. You surely do, and that is okay. There are bad cops, and bad rangers out there, no question. Whether this is such a case I couldn't say.

Rangers generally have the same powers of arrest as do other law enforcement officers.

I would urge you to consult an attorney who can do a full investigation and give you his best advice on how to proceed.

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Answered on 2/20/02, 5:05 pm
Evan Levow Lutz, Levow & Costello, P.A.

Re: park ranger

If you have six witnesses who will testify that the ranger tackled your son for no reason, using excessive force, where your son did not resist, your son should not only win any criminal action, but he has a civil rights claim.

I would like to know why the ranger initially approached him.

Be aware that a "Tort Claims Notice" must be filed within 90 days of the date of the incident to preserve certain civil claims against the ranger and the State. I can provide you with a copy of one.

Please call me to discuss the cases.

856-428-5055 or 888-777-0455

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Answered on 2/21/02, 12:53 am


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