Drunk Man Denied Bar Entry, Argues With Officers, Cops Say

A Hunterdon County man police described as "highly intoxicated" chest-bumped an officer when he was denied entry into a Morristown bar while the annual Santa pub crawl was going on last weekend, police said.

Colin Hayes, 21, of Califon, was arrested and charged with defiant trespassing shortly after 11 p.m. on Dec. 22. According to a police report filed by officer Joseph Heuneman, several officers were on foot patrol in the area of Grasshopper off the Green, which was more crowded than usual because of the Santa Pub Crawl VII.

Heuneman noticed a man, later identified as Hayes (it was not indicated in the report if he was a participant in the bar crawl or not), who appeared "highly intoxicated" as he attempted to gain access to the bar, according to the report.

When the bouncer denied him access due to his alleged intoxication level, Hayes got argumentative and threatened to "sue him," according to the report.

One of Hayes' friends apologized for his friends' behavior and said he would take care of him. The two left the area without incident, according to the report.

Officers concluded their foot patrol but were contacted shortly after by the bouncer who said Hayes had returned and was being disruptive, according to the report.

The officers returned to the bar entrance and told Hayes he needed to leave, according to the report. Hayes refused and allegedly chest-bumped Heuneman when the officer attempted to escort him away from the bar, the report said. Hayes also allegedly yelled at the officer, telling him he didn't have to leave, according to the report.

Hayes was placed under arrest and continued not to cooperate with police at police headquarters, demanding to see his lawyer, according to the report.

An additional officer was called in to assist and Hayes remained defiant, saying "don't touch me" and refusing to be processed or searched until his lawyer was present, according to the report.

Officers placed Hayes in a jail cell without being processed, the report said. Hayes then screamed for his lawyer and at one point, viewed on the police security camera, wrapped one of his hands in an entire roll of toilet paper like a boxing glove and began hitting the cell bars with it, according to the report.

He was later released into the custody of a relative.

For questions about this post, email john.dunphy@patch.com.