Fight at Atlantic City’s 40/40 Club injures two police officers, police dog also attacked www.privateofficer.com

ATLANTIC CITY NJ April 2 2012 - Two city police officers were assaulted Sunday during a fight at the 40/40 Club, in the 2100 block of Atlantic Avenue, police said.

Officer Michael Francisco, who was working an off-duty uniformed detail at the club, called for assistance at 4:20 a.m. and reported that a fight was taking place, police said.

Police learned that 40/40 Club security officers were attempting to escort a male, identified as Tony L. Wilson, from the club because he refused a security screening and he then proceeded to assault a security officer.
Francisco tried to assist the security detail and arrest Wilson, but Wilson then sprayed a chemical agent into Francisco’s mouth, police said.

According to police reports, several fights then began to break out and extended to the self-park ramp of the Caesars parking garage. Officer Brent Dooley was then assaulted by two males incluidng Wilson.

Police said Tony L. Wilson grabbed Dooley from behind in what was described as a “bear hold” while a second male, Tyree M. Wilson, struck Dooley in the back of the head with a liquor bottle causing a large open laceration to his head.

K-9 Officer Timek ordered Wilson to comply with orders to surrender so he could be handcuffed, but Wilson allegedly failed to comply and Timek and his K-9 partner, Vader, apprehended him.

During the apprehension, police said, Wilson choked Vader in an attempt to break his control. During the fight, an unidentified male interfered with the officers, but was not apprehended. He is described as a black male, wearing a red/white and blue shirt.

Police said another male, James Ford, 31, of Lakewood, also attempted to prevent Francisco from arresting Wilson. Ford was arrested for obstructing the administration of law and inciting a riot. Bail for Ford was set at $75,000.

Tyree Wilson, 24, and Tony L. Wilson, 31, both of Neptune, were charged with aggravated assault on a Police Officer, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, inciting a riot, resisting arrest, and obstructing the administration of law. Tyree Wilson was additionally charged with injury to a law enforcement Animal. Both were held on $100,000.

A Good Samaritan, whose name is being withheld, assisted the police officers on scene and was also assaulted by the three Wilsons and Ford. Charges of assault are being prepared against the four men on behalf of the male victim. 40/40 security team also assisted the officers on scene. Additional charges against the males are expected from the 40/40 security team, police said.

According to police reports, Dooley was treated for a large laceration to his head, which required six staples to close the wound. He was released from AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City. He will be out of work for an undetermined amount of time. Francisco was treated and released for exposure to the chemical agent. He returned to duty.