Suspect attacked 2 NJ child welfare workers, police say

PENNSVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) -- Two New Jersey child welfare workers are recovering after being assaulted in Pennsville, Salem County.

It happened before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Penn Terrace Apartments on Meadow Road.

Police say the Department of Children and Families (DCF) workers were checking on the well-being of some children.

They say 41-year-old Alexis Plater knocked a female worker to the ground and punched her.

A male DCF employee was struck over the head with a flashlight.

Both were taken to Salem County Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

It's not clear what sparked the attack.

Police caught up with Plater, of Main Street in Woodstown, a short time later. Officers say he resisted arrest and had to be subdued.

He is charged with two count of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, and resisting arrest.

He's behind bars in lieu of $25,000 bail.