Flagged Patron Allegedly Struck Bartender

STONE HARBOR – Stone Harbor officers were dispatched to an establishment on the 200 block 96th Street Aug. 11 at approximately 9:43 p.m. for a report of an assault.  
Upon arrival, it was learned from employees and witnesses that an individual walked into the establishment with a golf club driver and proceeded to push a female employee and went behind the bar to punch a bartender twice in the face. He was escorted out by employees and left the scene.
Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) II’s Richard Argenziano and Luke Stewart spotted an individual matching the description of the individual on the 200 block 97th Street. Subsequent investigation led to the individual, now known as Michael A. Carland, 44, of Mays Landing, to be placed under arrest. It was reported that Carland was previously banned from entering the establishment.
He was transported to the station, processed and charged with disorderly conduct, defiant trespass, simple assault, and unlawful possession of a weapon, namely a Dunlap 5 Vista Golf Club Driver under circumstances not appropriate for lawful use, a crime of the fourth degree.
He was released pending court. The golf club had been left behind at the establishment when Carland was escorted from the premises.
This case is pending review by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.