(10/28/05) ELIZABETH ? The News 12 New Jersey I-Team learned Friday that as many as six high-ranking Elizabeth police officers may have attended a videotaped, booze-filled garage bash.
In footage shot by the I-Team, a man appears to smash the windows of a municipal vehicle with what could be a machete. Police sources tell News 12 New Jersey the man seen destroying the car is Lieutenant James Kearns, who is now suspended without pay. Sources also identify Kearns as the man in the video bragging about shaking down a local business for free beer.
Members of the Union County Prosecutor?s office are scrutinizing the undercover video, and they believe an on-duty police captain may also be in attendance at the garage gathering. Prosecutors also have reason to believe two sergeants are also taking part in the activity while on duty. According to I-Team sources, an off-duty lieutenant and sergeant were drinking at the gathering as well.
Both representatives of the Elizabeth Police Department and Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage refused to comment on the matter.
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Related link: News 12 New Jersey's I-Team