Parent Allegedly Punched Cop Over Graduation Seating

Authorities say a dispute over seating at a high school graduation ended with a parent punching a police officer.

New Milford police say 49-year-old borough resident Sanjiv Agarwal was charged with assault, and additional charges are pending.

Authorities say Agarwal and his family arrived late for the New Milford High School ceremony, which was staged Monday at a school in nearby Paramus.

Citing fire codes, attendees were barred from standing in the rear or aisles of the school's auditorium once the room reached capacity. To accommodate the overflow crowd, live-stream video of the ceremony was available in two classrooms.

After being told he couldn't enter the auditorium, authorities say Agarwal loudly taunted officers and tried to force his way in by pushing teachers and guests. After ignoring directives to leave, Agarwal allegedly punched one officer as police tried to physically remove him, and he then suffered a head laceration when he fell and hit a door post.

Authorities say the incident did not disrupt the graduation ceremony. No officers were injured in the incident.

A telephone number for Agarwal could not be located Saturday, and it was not known if he had retained a lawyer.