Ridgewood Man Arrested After Scuffle with Police Outside Comedy Club

By Alana Quartuccio

A 19-year old Ridgewood man was arrested Thursday night after a confrontation with police officers outside Banana's Comedy Club in Hasbrouck Heights, Detective Sgt. Michael Colaneri said Monday.  

Anthony Ventura, 19, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest June 27 after he allegedly became “loud and aggressive” in the parking lot and then struggled as officers tried to arrest him, Colaneri said. 

Cops say Ventura had been following a group of buses carrying graduates of  Northern Highlands High School, out celebrating Project Graduation. A chaperone called police stating that the vehicle believed to have been operated by Ventura was driving erratically.

Ventura was then pulled over on Route 17 and said he “just wanted to talk to his girlfriend” who was in the graduating party, Colaneri said, adding that Ventura promised the officer he would go home.

Less than an hour later, police arrived at Banana’s Comedy Club responding to a call of an unwanted party. Colaneri said Ventura tried to flee the area but officers found him hiding underneath a Jeep in the parking lot.

Colaneri said Ventura began to yell, scream and flail his arms while police tried to calm him down. He put up a struggle when two officers attempted to place him under arrest, Colaneri said. 

He was processed and released.