Can You Face Assault Charges While Working As A Security Guard In Bergen County?

Although security guards often “observe and report” without directly interacting with problematic individuals, they may have no other choice but to physically intervene in certain situations. If you work as a security guard, you may have direct experience with physical altercations and subduing violent individuals. But could your work-related responsibilities lead to assault charges in Bergen County? This is something that one security guard is struggling with after a recent incident.

Bergen County Security Guard Faces Charges After Alleged Assault 

In late February of 2025, numerous sources reported that a former security guard in Bergen County was facing numerous charges due to an incident involving a homeless man. The incident occurred almost five years ago in Newark while the defendant was working for a Family Dollar location.

The defendant reportedly noticed a homeless man shoplifting from the store and decided to pursue him while driving what has been described as a “cop car.” However, the security guard was not a real police officer – and the car was likely a civilian vehicle decorated or modified to look like a police cruiser. In any event, the defendant was accused of striking the homeless man with the cop car. He then sprayed the victim with pepper spray and allegedly caused “life-threatening injuries.”

When the real police arrived at the scene, the security guard was taken into custody. It eventually became clear that he had fake police identification and a fake concealed carry permit. It seems that this individual has a history of impersonating law enforcement officers, as he was serving a 16-year sentence for a similar offense in Georgia at the time of the investigation.

Eventually, he was extradited back to New Jersey to stand trial – and he was found guilty of aggravated assault, impersonating a police officer, and endangering an injured victim. He now faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Can Security Guards Assault Shoplifters in New Jersey? 

It is important to understand that different rules apply to security guards and police officers when it comes to the use of force. Police officers have special privileges, and their “sovereign immunity” allows them to avoid both criminal and civil consequences after using force. In many cases, they are legally allowed to use deadly force against criminals while facing no punitive action.

On the other hand, security guards must be extremely careful when exercising force against suspects. Generally speaking, security guards are only allowed to detain suspects until police officers arrive. Even if you cause a slight injury, you could face consequences if your use of force was “unreasonable” or “reckless.”

Can a Defense Attorney in Bergen County Help With Assault Charges? 

A defense attorney in Bergen County may be able to help you fight assault charges. Security guards face unique pressures in this regard, and they may face criminal charges despite the physical nature of their work. If you face charges due to an altercation while working as a security guard, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Choose Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law – and get started with a defense strategy today.

Sources: 

northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/rutherford/2025/02/27/rutherford-nj-man-convicted-aggravated-assault-homeless-man/80731437007/

njcourts.gov/sites/default/files/charges/impersonate1.pdf