Police: Man charged for pepper-spraying person ahead of equality rally

<p>A Scotch Plains man is facing charges after he allegedly pepper-sprayed someone preparing for an equality rally in Asbury Park.</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 4, 2017, 8:00 PM

Updated 2,419 days ago

Share:

Police: Man charged for pepper-spraying person ahead of equality rally
A Scotch Plains man is facing charges after he allegedly pepper-sprayed someone preparing for an equality rally in Asbury Park.
Morris May White was charged with aggravated assault for the Sunday attack.
White tells News 12 New Jersey that he and the person got into an argument prior to the incident. He says that he warned the person to get out of his personal space and then used pepper-spray when they failed to move.
Witnesses say that the incident happened while volunteers were making signs ahead of the Labor Day equality rally.
Hundreds gathered in Springwood Park for the Monday event.
Asbury Park Mayor John Moor says that Sunday’s incident was an isolated one and that his city thrives off diversity. 
"They did pick the wrong city and I think you're going to see a diverse community coming together today to solve this and hopefully solve future [problems],” Moor says. “It's not going to end today. It's going to keep on going. Where next? Nobody has an idea."
The person who was pepper-sprayed was not seriously injured.
White says that he has a court date scheduled in October.


More from News 12
0:28
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

2:36
Rain and cloudy skies followed by some sunshine on Long Island

Rain and cloudy skies followed by some sunshine on Long Island

0:28
Police: Levittown woman arrested for driving drunk with 2 children in vehicle

Police: Levittown woman arrested for driving drunk with 2 children in vehicle

2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS