Man Gets 5 Years in Prison For Trying to Take Parsippany Cop's Gun

A Montville man has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to disarm a Parsippany police officer and resisting arrest during a violent altercation in October 2011.

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp announced Michael Trogani, 38, received a five-year prison sentence for attempting to disarm Officer Al Keiser, and another 18-month prison term – to run concurrent with the five-year term – for resisting arrest.

On October 10, 2011, Trogani fled Pep Boys Automotive store with stolen property, Knapp said. Working off a description from a store employee, Parsippany police Officer Al Keiser went to the area where Trogani was most likely to run, Knapp said.

Keiser saw Trogani and began to give chase, and as he approached the thief, drew his gun and ordered the man to surrender, Knapp said. Trogani continued to run, but was caught shortly thereafter and was wrestled to the ground by Keiser.

At that point Trogani struck Keiser in the chest with his hands, Knapp said, and then attempted to take the officer’s gun out of his holster. Keiser was able to restrain Trogani’s hands, regain control of his weapon, and grab his pepper spray. Keiser then sprayed Trogani in the face with the pepper spray, Knapp said.

Despite the spray, Trogani got to his feet and ran away. Keiser caught up to him again, brought him to the ground, and another physical altercation began, Knapp said. Trogani then began to kick and punch Keiser in the chest and leg area while the officer attempted to handcuff him, Knapp said.

Backup officers arrived on the scene to assist Keiser, eventually subduing Trogani and placing him under arrest.

Honorable Mary Whipple, sitting in Morristown, said Trogani was a danger to the community and denied his entry into Morris County Drug Court, and imposed the five-year sentence.