Trio Arrested After Dispute on Light Rail Platform
Riverside, NJ
Last night at approximately 9:15 p.m., a Riverside Township patrol officer observed a man smoking on the NJ Light Rail platform in violation of the New Jersey “No Smoking in Public” law, which prohibits smoking in workplaces, most indoor public places, and public transportation areas, including stations and platforms. When the officer attempted to address the violation, the man refused to comply and repeatedly refused to identify himself. This eventually led to his arrest for Obstructing the Administration of Law, a disorderly persons offense. He was later identified as Christopher M. Rooney, 35 yrs, of Edgewater Park, NJ.
As officers moved to take Rooney into custody, he began to resist arrest. That is when two of his associates, Amanda L. Horton, 35, of Edgewater Park, and Lance F. Greene, 57, of Edgewater Park, attempted to physically interfere with the arrest. When Horton and Greene were told that they were also under arrest, they also began to physically resist. Officers from surrounding agencies responded to assist with the disorderly individuals, and all three suspects were taken into custody. One officer, from another agency, sustained a minor injury while taking Greene into custody.
Rooney and Horton were both found to have active warrants for their arrest on prior charges. Horton was also found to be in illegal possession of multiple prescription pills.
All three suspects were lodged at the Burlington County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. All suspects were charged as follows:
Christopher M. Rooney:
Smoking in Public (PDP)
Disorderly Conduct (DP)
Resisting Arrest w/ Force (3rd)
Obstructing the Administration of Law (4th)
Amanda L. Horton:
Disorderly Conduct (DP)
Resisting Arrest w/ Force (3rd)
Obstructing the Administration of Law (4th)
Possession of Prescription Pills W/O a Valid Prescription (DP)
Lance F. Green:
Disorderly Conduct (DP)
Criminal Mischief (DP)
Resisting Arrest w/ Force (3rd)
Obstructing the Administration of Law (4th)
Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement (3rd)
The Riverside Township Police Department remains committed to proactive patrols in the township, including along the NJ Light Rail platform, to address illegal activity, including so‑called “minor” violations such as smoking in prohibited areas, littering, and public urination. These types of behaviors create significant quality‑of‑life concerns for residents and passengers, and consistent enforcement helps deter further disorder and promote a safer environment for everyone who uses the Light Rail system.
“ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW”
“ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL
PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW”