MOUNTAIN LAKES — A late-night disturbance that began at a local restaurant led to multiple charges and police involvement across two municipalities, according to Mountain Lakes Police.
On Thursday, March 20, 2026, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Mountain Lakes patrol units responded to the parking lot of Ace Hardware on Route 46 West in Denville to assist the Denville Police Department with a reported domestic violence incident.
An investigation determined that the incident originated earlier in the evening at Barka, a restaurant in Mountain Lakes. Police said Ashani Chung had been dining at the establishment when an argument broke out between her and her date. During the dispute, Chung allegedly threw a glass cup, causing damage to restaurant property.
Authorities reported that while officers were taking Chung into custody, she spat on both a Mountain Lakes police officer and a Denville police officer at the scene.
Chung was charged by the Mountain Lakes Police Department with criminal mischief. She was then turned over to the Denville Police Department, where she faced additional charges for allegedly throwing bodily fluids at law enforcement officers.
The incident remains under investigation.
