Woman Bites Glen Rock Officer in Struggle, Police Say

A officer suffered two human bite wounds attempting to arrest a pair of suspects alleged to have broken into a school bus early Friday morning, authorities said Monday.

Glen Rock Police Cpt. Jonathan Miller said Ptl. Robert Surdyka at 3 a.m., Friday, June 22 responded to an alarm set off by a school bus being broken into at Central School. Surdyka spotted a woman, identified as Marie Ramsawak, 24, of Yonkers, hiding in the bushes and gave chase when the suspect fled, Miller told Patch Monday morning.

"He was able to grab her on Bedford Place. When he went to stop her and talk to her, she began fighting with him," Miller said. Police said as Surdyka was attempting to subdue Ramsawak, her male friend, identified as 23-year-old Glen Rock resident Thomas Brande, emerged from the bushes. 

"He yelled to get off of her and then grabbed the officer by the arm and the shirt in attempting to let her go," Miller said. Police claim Surdyka held Ramsawak by one arm as he struggled with Brande with the other.

"The female bit him on the left index finger and the top of the left hand, breaking the skin," Miller said. "He also jammed his thumb in the struggle."

Ridgewood and Glen Rock officers responded to the call for assistance and took both into custody. They were charged with burglary to a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, hindering arrest, and aggravated assault on a police officer. No items from the school bus were believed to be stolen or damaged, Miller said.

Both suspects were both released on their own recognizance. Their court date is scheduled in Glen Rock for June 26. Surdyka was treated at Valley Hospital for bite wounds. He received a tetanus shot and antibiotics. He has returned to duty, Miller said.

Correction: The incident took place at Central School.