Saturday, May 10, 2008

Ex-police officer arrested on kidnapping, assault charges


A former Pearl River police officer has been arrested on charges of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and taking her forcefully for a drive in his car last Friday.

According to Pearl River Police Chief Bennie Raynor, ex-policeman Joseph Ciruti Jr. broke into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, held her at gunpoint, handcuffed and shackled her before forcing her into his car and driving her around Slidell.

Raynor said the girlfriend eventually convinced Ciruti to let her go and to check into a hospital for psychiatric help.

When Ciruti got out of the hospital, Raynor said he was arrested.

Ciruti is in the St. Tammany Parish jail in Covington on charges of second-degree kidnapping, aggravated burglary and aggravated assault.

Officer Fratticcioli Arrested for Distribution of Prescription Drugs

Officer Nicholas A. Fratticcioli who recently graduated from the Trenton Police Academy has been suspended after his arrest on official misconduct and distribution of a prescription drugs.

The 24-year-old was arrested Wednesday night at the city’s police headquarters. He is accused of distributing more than 100 doses of muscle relaxants.

He has been suspended without pay, and is free on a $25,000 bond.