A Carteret police officer is accused of beating a 16-year-old boy after a pursuit and crash.

Russell Stewart says images of his son prove he should have gone straight to a hospital on May 31. The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office says Stewart's son crashed at the corner of Bergen and Edwin streets after allegedly driving away from a police car. He exited his damaged vehicle and was allegedly pummeled by Officer Joseph Reiman, 31, with a closed fist. No ambulance was called to the scene.

"Once I got to the station and saw my son's face, I kind of collapsed," Stewart said. "After that I told them take my son to the hospital."

"The conduct engaged in by this Officer Reiman far exceeded the force that was necessary," added Stewart family attorney Eric Pennington.

Both Pennington and Stewart say they believe the teen's civil rights were violated after he crashed. The Middlesex County prosecutor says Reiman did not activate his body camera when he arrived at the scene, so they used dashcam footage to build their case.

Prosecutors say Reiman is facing misconduct charges for the alleged assault and failing to use discretion when taking the teen into custody.

"I just want justice for my son and to see the actions been taken against this officer," Stewart said. "He needs to be put off the force. I don't want to see things like this happen to anyone else's kid."

On June 7, Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman, reportedly the brother of Officer Reiman, issued a statement on Facebook saying the borough expects its employees to exhibit high levels of professionalism. He also said police are often scapegoats and presumed guilty.

News 12 reached out to the Carteret Police Department for comment, but did not hear back.