​Intoxicated Man Arrested for Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct; Then Spits on Officer Adding Another Charge

Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Brian Dougherty, (27), of Montclair, New Jersey stemming from an incident that occurred on May 25, 2025.  On that date at approximately 6:11 pm, officers were dispatched to Danaher’s Pub for a report of an intoxicated patron allegedly trying to fight employees.

Officer Rick Alves arrived first on scene and located Dougherty being physically combative with patrons and employees outside of the restaurant.  Dougherty was allegedly uncooperative and refused to listen to commands given by Officer Alves.  

Additional officers arrived on scene to assist.  After a brief struggle, Dougherty was subsequently placed under arrest.  It is alleged that Dougherty began screaming obscenities at officers and patrons who were near the establishment while he was seated in the patrol car.  Due to his high level of intoxication, an ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

Once the ambulance arrived, it is further alleged that he continued to be verbally abusive and refused instructionsto properly lay on the stretcher.  As officers and medical personnel tended to him, Dougherty allegedly spit at Officer Andrew VanderWal, striking him in the chest area.  He continued to be uncooperative and required two officers to ride inside the ambulance to the hospital.

Dougherty was subsequently charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and throwing bodily fluids at a law enforcement officer.  He was later released pending an initial appearance at the Essex County Superior Courthouse on July 8, 2025. Assisting the Fairfield police were officers from the North Caldwell and West Caldwell Police Departments and an off-duty officer from the Totowa Police Department.

(Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).

Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)