HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — A 24-year-old Hackettstown resident, Jeremiah Hiestand, was charged with resisting arrest and other offenses following an incident at Czig Meister Brewing on Sunday, September 29. According to the Hackettstown Police Department, officers were alerted to Hiestand after he was removed from the brewery for sneaking an unauthorized alcoholic beverage into the premises.
Officers made contact with Hiestand after he attempted to re-enter the brewery. He was escorted to his residence but returned to Valentine Street shortly after, holding an unopened beer can and a large water bottle. When officers again instructed him to leave, Hiestand ignored the warnings, began opening the beer, and shouted unintelligible statements.
Officers warned Hiestand that if he opened the beer, he would be arrested for drinking in public. After he fully opened the can, an officer took it from his hand. Hiestand responded by shouting a profanity and smashing his water bottle on the sidewalk, where it shattered.
As officers attempted to take him into custody, Hiestand fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief chase. Authorities noted he was physically resistant throughout the arrest and was under the influence of psilocybin at the time.
Hiestand faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest, being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, littering, disorderly conduct, and consuming alcohol in a public area. He was transported to Hackettstown Medical Center and later released pending a court appearance.
