Man charged after wielding knife at officer

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) -- A southern New Jersey man who allegedly brandished a knife at a police officer is now facing criminal charges.

Toms River police say 19-year-old township resident William Rodriguez went to a home early Monday and tore the front screen door off its frame before fleeing.

The homeowner called police, and Rodriguez returned to the scene while an officer was still in the area conducting an investigation. Not noticing that the officer was present, Rodriguez allegedly started to wave his arms over his head and taunted the homeowner.

The officer saw Rodriguez had a knife in one hand and a sheath in the other. When Rodriguez turned and saw the officer approaching, he allegedly tried to hide the knife and wouldn't drop it, instead dropping the sheath.

Rodriguez refused to obey the officer's repeated orders to drop the knife, authorities said, then began walking toward the officer with the knife. But he soon dropped it and was taken into custody.

Authorities said Rodriguez and the homeowner are involved in an ongoing dispute, but did not disclose further details about the feud.

Rodriguez was charged with criminal mischief, making terroristic threats and a weapons offense. His bail was set at $30,000 and it was not known if he had retained an attorney.

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