Morristown police: Intoxicated bar operator slurs minorities, cops

Veronica's in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Veronica's in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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Veronica's in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Veronica’s in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Morristown Police Chief Pete Demnitz said he was offended by recent remarks hurled at his officers on the beat, including one from a man who he quoted as saying, “Do whatever you gotta do, shoot me in the back.”

It turns out words to that effect were uttered only hours earlier — by an apparently drunken bar operator, who also allegedly tossed racial slurs at an African American waiter, according to a police report.

Michael W. Walsh, 35-year-old operator of Veronica’s on Speedwell Avenue, and his brother, Patrick C. Walsh, 29, of Bernardsville, were asked to leave the Morristown Diner but refused at 1:05 am on April 14, 2015, police reported.

morristown police badgeMembers of the Walsh family own Veronica’s — which has a sizable clientele of African American and Hispanic patrons — along with Sona Thirteen, the Dark Horse Lounge and Tashmoo, all in Morristown.

The diner’s manager, Julio Hernandez, told police the two men came in “noticeably drunk” and were shouting racial epithets at a black employee.

Hernandez told police he later observed Michael Walsh “urinating all over” the restroom floor, while uttering a stream of derogatory remarks about African Americans and Latinos.

Michael Walsh continued this litany at his booth, the manager told police. The waiter refused to serve the pair–Patrick Walsh had fallen asleep by now–and Hernandez told them to leave.

Both Walshes appeared intoxicated when police arrived, Officer James Green reported. Patrick Walsh was asleep with his legs on the booth cushions, he said.

The officer reminded Michael Walsh how he had made similar requests of his own patrons at Veronica’s, and now he must heed the same request by the diner manager.

“Michael, who was slurring his words, then stood up from the booth, advised he had a question, and then came extremely close to my personal space,” recounted Officer Green, who was assisted by Officer Carmen Caponegro.

“Due to officer safety concerns, I immediately asked Michael to take a step back,” Officer Green said, and then Michael Walsh became “noticeable agitated” and allegedly said:

“Do whatever you need to do. Shoot people in the back, do whatever you need to do.”

After making some confused statements, Michael Walsh started yelling “shoot me in the back,” while wagging his finger in the officer’s face, according to the report.

Officer Green said he told Michael Walsh to desist, and then offered to call a taxi for him.

Police awakened Patrick Walsh, who exited quietly behind Michael, who kept yelling at officers: “Just go shoot people in the back,” the report said.

Michael Walsh left the diner without accepting police offers to help him find a ride home; neither brother was charged with any offenses. Police advised the manager and waiter about complaint procedures.

Attempts to reach Michael and Patrick Walsh, and William Walsh, their father and owner of Veronica’s, were unsuccessful on Saturday.  The answering system at Veronica’s was not taking messages, either.

Police said they recorded audio of their exchanges with the Walshes inside the diner.

 

14 COMMENTS

  1. noone has mentioned yet why were they allow to drive away and not stopped and be charge for driving under the influence ? Really all we care is they white, bussiness owners Police let them go even though they were drunk

  2. Reprehensible behavior by the privileged punishable by what–a mere slap on the wrist and go home and be good boys? I wonder if two Black or Hispanic males displayed the same behavior would the treatment be the same. As a person of color I will not, cannot and will encourage others to avoid the Walsh establishments. To the Black and Hispanic employees I know you don’t have the luxury of leaving your positions, but at least you know the “true colors” of the owners.

  3. This story should be posted in all Walsh owned establishments so patrons can see what the owners are really like!! These men should be ashamed of themselves

  4. Joe,
    I am certainly not a Walsh ally. Simply wanted to make a point as to why they weren’t arrested on the spot. I have not and will not go to a Walsh owned bar/restaurant.

  5. The discretion and professionalism of the police is to be commended.
    The behavior of the Walsh brothers is deplorable and disrespectful to many.
    But on the lighter side, who hasn’t gone to the diner with a late nite buzz?

  6. These two people are men, not “kids”. Though extremely poorly behaved. The police apparently showed real restraint and for that we can be proud they are employed by our town.

  7. I dont know those 2 guys. What it concern me is: 2 Bar owners making remarks about others, been stupid and disrespect the police how far Veronica would go?? and all the workers of Veronica are going to loss their job?? An Apology is Do. Stupid !!!

  8. Well Joe, you must be a Walsh ally. Good for you! They are still rich kid’s using daddy’s money. If it was not for old man Walsh those kid’s would be even less then what they are now, which is alcoholic losers. In the real world, they are just dog crap on the bottom of your shoe. And that is insulting dog crap !

  9. Al, you may want to brush up on your knowledge of the laws in the state of nj. Nj does not criminalize being drunk in public. Complaint procedures were described to the diner staff as depicted in the article.

  10. Why weren’t these two arrested ?
    Special treatment for rich white boy’s?
    The reporting demonstrates at least 3 misdemeanors.
    Urinating all over the bathroom, public drunkenness, harassment.
    Threatening a police officer.
    Mr. Prosecutor, FILE CHARGES ! You are required too by law.

  11. I will not be spending any of my hard cash at any of these businesses. What a couple of …! A note: Morristown’s finest..the two officers kept their cool.

  12. Well this is a sad commentary, but I’m sure council president Feldman will take it out on iron bar.

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