HANOVER — A Morris Plains man is facing multiple charges after allegedly following an off-duty Hanover police officer and placing a false 9-1-1 call claiming an officer was down, leading to a brief pursuit that ended on Parsippany Road.
On Friday, October 24, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Anthony Gauthier, 31, reportedly followed off-duty Hanover Police Officer Patrick Thompson from police headquarters. During the incident, Gauthier allegedly called 9-1-1 and falsely shouted “officer down” three times, along with other threats, according to authorities.
Officer Thompson became aware he was being followed and contacted on-duty officers. Responding officers determined that the 9-1-1 caller was the same individual tailing Thompson’s vehicle. Thompson led Gauthier to the area of Parsippany Road, where marked patrol units attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Police say Gauthier initially refused to pull over but was ultimately stopped on Parsippany Road. He was removed at gunpoint and arrested by Hanover Police. During the arrest, authorities say Gauthier assaulted Hanover Police Officer Carlos Najera, resisted arrest, spit at officers, and refused to comply.
Gauthier was charged with:
- Creating a false public alarm
- Resisting arrest
- Terroristic threats
- Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
- Obstruction of justice
- Throwing bodily fluids at an officer
- Harassment
- Criminal mischief
- Disorderly conduct
- Refusal to be fingerprinted
Multiple traffic summonses were also issued.
Gauthier was lodged in the Morris County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
