FAIRFIELD, N.J. – An off-duty Hackensack police detective jumped into a rapidly escalating traffic stop in Fairfield after spotting a fellow officer struggling to control an uncooperative suspect, authorities said.
Detective Michael Reo was off duty Aug. 22 when he witnessed Fairfield Police Corporal Jeffrey Dean attempting to gain control of the suspect during a motor vehicle stop. Reo stepped in to help before additional Fairfield officers arrived and took the suspect into custody.
The encounter took on added significance after police discovered the suspect was allegedly carrying a loaded handgun in his waistband. Hackensack Police praised Reo for intervening despite being off duty…