Cops: Montville Man Pepper-Sprayed After Attempting to Disarm Officer

A Montville man suspected of shoplifting from a Route 46 auto parts store attempted to flee and unsuccessfully tried to disarm an officer before being pepper-sprayed and apprehended Monday night, Parsippany Police said.

Michael Trogani, 35, was charged with attempting to disarm an officer, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, obstruction of the adminstration of law, shoplifting and hindering apprehension.

According to Patrolman Earl Kinsey, Officer Alfred Keiser responded to the Pep Boys auto parts store at 1449 Route 46 after a report of a shoplifting incident shortly before 6:30 p.m.

Keiser spotted a man fitting the description—a bald man wearing a black jacket and blue jeans—of the suspect in the commuter parking area next to the Empire Diner at 1315 Route 46, Kinsey said. As the officer approached, Trogani ran toward Grange Road, Kinsey said. Keiser ran after him and tackled the Trogani, Kinsey said.

As the two struggled, Trogani tried to remove Keiser’s firearm from its holster, Kinsey said. Keiser was able to retain his service weapon and sprayed Trogani with pepper spray, Kinsey said.

However, Trogani attempted to flee on foot again, heading toward the Smith Field basketball courts, Kinsey said. Keiser knocked Trogani to the ground again and placed him under arrest as additional officers arrived at the scene, Kinsey said.

An investigation revealed Trogani allegedly stole an ignition coil valued at $190 from Pep Boys, Kinsey said. The coil was found after an eyewitness told police that Trogani allegedly threw something into a bush next to the Smith Field playground while he was running, Kinsey said.

Trogani was lodged at the Morris County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

For questions about this blotter, email natalie.davis@patch.com.