Man Arrested in Post-KaBoom Melee Fights Back

A Colts Neck man who was arrested following the KaBoom! Fireworks on the Navesink July 3rd spectacular has retained representation, presumably, to fight the charge of disorderly conduct levied against him.

Police pulled Ronald Leibner out of his car after it appeared as though he attempted to drive down the then-closed Front Street immediately after the fireworks show, which was packed with thousands of revelers and spectators. The 61 year old was tackled to the ground shortly after being pulled out of his car, despite his protestations.

As police were putting the handcuffs on Leibner, the surging crowd surrounded his late-model BMW and began pounding on the hood and trunk of the car and chanting “U.S.A.” as the men struggled on the ground.

Just seconds later an unidentified person smashed the back windshield causing some members of the crowd to scatter. Police arrived in force about 30 seconds later, spreading out and pushing the crowd away from the vehicle, which also had its gas cover ripped off in the fracas.

Freehold-based attorney Andrew Blumer, who is representing Leibner, declined to comment about the specific charge of disorderly conduct, including why Leibner was trying to drive down the road that night. The plan, he said, is to defend Leibner vigorously when the summons goes to trial at Red Bank Municipal Court, presumably near the end of this month.

Leibner has an undisclosed medical condition that warrants handicap plates on his vehicle.

Blumer contacted Patch after seeing exclusive video of Leibner’s arrest posted on our website. The raw video, about 40 seconds long, shows a confused-looking Leibner being pulled out of his car and tackled by police as a frenzied crowd looks on.

Blumer said he believes the action of the police may have led to the chaotic situation.

“To me, it appears that the officers added chaos to what was already a stressful situation rather than restoring calm and order,” he said. “We’re going to continue to investigate and move to assert his rights.”