On Saturday, May 5th, at approximately 1:12 in the morning, Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) Officer Ryan Hokanson attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop on a 2007 grey Mazda along East Westfield Avenue at Chestnut Street for equipment violations.
The Mazda reportedly sped away from Officer Hokanson and a pursuit was initiated.
The driver of the Mazda crossed over into oncoming traffic where he made a quick right turn onto South Sheridan Avenue – a dead-end street. The vehicle made a quick u-turn and drove head-on towards Officer Hokanson, side-swiped the front passenger-side of the patrol car, and fled the area before other units could assist.
A broadcast was sent out to other Union County police agencies.
Approximately twenty minutes later, Westfield Police Department advised RPPD that the same Mazda was involved in a crash in Westfield near the train station. Westfield Police were able to detain the suspected driver of the vehicle a short distance from the crash. A positive identification was made of the driver – Jajuan Q. Franklin, age 21, from Plainfield – by Officer Hokanson.
Mr. Franklin was arrested and charged with one (1) count of eluding, one (1) count of aggravated assault on a police officer, and one (1) count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He was issued approximately 15 motor vehicle summonses. He also found to have warrants for his arrest out of New Brunswick, North Plainfield, and Union Township Municipal Courts bail totaling $1,750.
Mr. Franklin was ultimately lodged into the Union County Jail.