Bridgewater Resident Charged With Aggravated Assault After False 911 Call

A Bridgewater resident was arrested for aggravated assault and other charges after police responded to a false 911 call and the man was accused of threatening another person July 13.

James Smith, of 2nd Street, was charged with third degree aggravated assault, third degree terroristic threats and third degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose after police responded to the call at his home, according to a release from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey Soriano said township police responded to a 911 call about a home invasion at Smith's house July 13. But when police arrived, Soriano said, Smith said there was no home invasion, and that he was high from smoking a fragrant potpourri, nicknamed "Purple Chronic."

According to Soriano, officers interviewed others in the house, and found that Smith had been in the basement with another person before calling 911. The second person, Soriano said, told police that Smith had assaulted her and asked her about who was in the house.

When the victim yelled, Soriano said, Smith allegedly punched her and threatened to kill her with a knife. As he allegedly held the victim down, Soriano said, Smith called 911.

Soriano said the victim had lacerations on the back of her head and forearm.