New Jersey - Unacceptable "lap dance" at Clinton Twp. bar results in assault claim to police, drunk driving charge

OFF THE WIRE
 Hunterdon County Democrat
CLINTON TWP. — A dancer on her first day on the job at the Round Valley Inn on Route 22 complained that the manager assaulted her. This came after a bouncer found the dancer, who performs as “Giselle,” in unacceptable form of “lap dance” with a man at the bar, police said today.


The man, Christopher Pond, 33, of Telford, Pa. ended up arrested on charges of drunk driving and careless driving.
Police involvement in the matter Tuesday around 4:45 p.m. began with a report of a possible assault at the tavern. Patrolman Matthew Murphy observed a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue attempting to leave the parking lot.
He saw a woman, who was visibly upset and crying, in the passenger’s seat. Murphy learned that the woman, dancing as “Giselle,” had allegedly been in an inappropriate dance with Pond. When the manager told “Giselle” to put her clothes on and leave the establishment, she became agitated and tried to punch the manager, who then attempted to restrain her, police related.
Although “Giselle” claimed that the manager struck her, Murphy said he saw observed no evidence to substantiate this claim. Meanwhile, Pond advised Murphy that he (Pond) was a member of the Pagans motorcycle gang and that he would have his fellow Pagans “come to the bar.” He further stated that his girlfriend, who was not present, was a police officer.
As Pond was making these statements, police said, Murphy detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and had Pond begin to perform standardized field sobriety tests. But Pond soon refused to continue, placed his hands behind his back without prompting and told the officers “just arrest me.”
Murphy arrested Pond, who later provided samples of his breath for chemical testing to determine the content of alcohol in his blood. After being charged, Murphy was released to the custody of his girlfriend and his vehicle was towed and impounded.
“Giselle,” not charged with any offenses, refused Sgt. Thomas DeRosa’s assistance and walked to a nearby bar, police said.