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Hopatcong Officer Accused Of Slapping Man In Bunny Costume Who Blew Air Horn In Police Station

HOPATCONG, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Hopatcong, New Jersey police officer accused of slapping a man who was wearing a bunny costume and was blowing an air horn in a police station has been charged with assault.

Hopatcong police Officer Nicholas Maresca Jr. faces one count of simple assault. He's charged with slapping Kevin Hemmerich on Nov. 17.

Defense attorney Anthony Iacullo told NJ.com Maresca ``acted appropriately and in accordance with his training and experience.''

A video shot by Hemmerich's brother shows Hemmerich entering the police station and blowing an air horn repeatedly despite being told to stop.

Brother Jason Hemmerich said two officers began cursing at them and one hit Kevin Hemmerich in the face.

He said his brother was turning himself in on a warrant related to a motor vehicle accident.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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