Police: Mace in the Air After Fight in Rug Mill Lobby

Two Freehold women were arrested Saturday on weapons and assault charges following a fight in the lobby of the Rug Mill apartments, police said. 

Monica Harris, 40, and Divine Richardson, 19, both of Jackson Street, were arrested and charged with aggravated assault following fight with a 45-year-old woman, Freehold Police Lt. Michael Sweetman said.

Police arrived at the Jackson Road apartments around 10 p.m. to find Rug Mill security separating the victim and Harris. The smell of mace was in the air, Sweetman said. 

Police arrested Harris for hindering and disorderly conduct and called First Aid for the victim, who refused treatment. Richardson fled into the apartment complex elevator. Freehold Township police also were called to disburse a crowd that had gathered around the scene, Sweetman said.

The victim and witnesses said Harris hit the victim with a black metal flashlight around the neck and shoulder area and Richardson sprayed the woman with pepper spray, Sweetman said.

Police Sgt. Chris Otlowski located Richardson in an upper floor apartment and placed her under arrest, Sweetman said.

Harris was charged with aggravated assault, hindering, disorderly conduct, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Sweetman said.

Richardson was charged with aggravated assault, possession of mace, hindering and disorderly conduct, Sweetman said.

Both women were taken to Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, in lieu of bail. Harris’ cash bail was set at $46,000. Richardson’s bail was set at $37,500, Sweetman said.