Cranford Police Department Responds to Disruption at Township Committee Meeting
Cranford, NJ – [July 8th, 2026] – The Cranford Police Department was present last evening at the regularly scheduled Township Committee meeting, fulfilling its role in ensuring public safety and security in accordance with Chapter 72 of the Township Code governing meeting conduct.
Multiple residents presented a variety of unconventional behaviors, including singing and shouting. The Cranford Police Department facilitated a peaceful environment, allowing attendees to voice their opinions within the time frame established by Township Code, which permits a maximum of 5 minutes per presentation.
As outlined by the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, the Township Committee has reserved the right to regulate mandated public participation and enforce the established by-laws. The presiding officer, the Mayor, is tasked with ensuring compliance with these rules and has the authority to intervene if disruptions occur.
At this meeting, Mr. William Thilly, 52, Cranford, New Jersey, approached the lectern for his presentation, but when his five minutes expired, he activated a prohibited speaker. Despite being informed that his time had concluded and the speaker was prohibited, Mr. Thilly refused to comply with requests from law enforcement to cease his actions. Subsequently, he activated the speaker again and refused the officer's commands, prompting a warning that such behavior and his refusal to leave the meeting as ordered by the presiding member of the governing body could lead to arrest.
During the unlawful disruption of the meeting, as law enforcement attempted to guide Mr. Thilly from the meeting room, he physically disrupted an officer by deliberately falling to the ground. This action resulted in the officer sustaining an injury to his knee, which required medical evaluation at an area hospital. Mr. Thilly was subsequently arrested and removed from the meeting. While in custody, Mr. Thilly reported not feeling well and was immediately provided medical attention by emergency medical services. After review by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Mr. Thilly has been charged with disrupting a public meeting, third-degree aggravated assault on a police officer, obstructing the administration of law, and resisting arrest. He has since been released on his own recognizance pending a Superior Court appearance date.
Cranford Police Chief Nazzaro emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and safe environment during public meetings. “The Cranford Police Department has been dedicated to ensuring that our community can express themselves freely during the public comment portion of meetings,” he stated. “However, it's crucial to understand that freedom of speech does not equate to freedom from consequences, especially when an officer is injured in the course of his duties.”
Mr. Thilly is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For further information, please contact:
D/Lt. Spencer Durkin
Public Information Officer
Cranford Police Department
s-durkin@cranfordnj.org
www.cranfordnj.org/policedepartment
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