On December 12, 2010 at approximately 2:37 a.m., a vehicular pursuit ensued following a violation of 39:4-97 (careless driving). The vehicle was observed by Detective Dominick Frino driving eastbound on the westbound lanes of West Westfield Avenue (a divided state highway). The vehicle then traveled onto the correct lane facing east. Detective Frino initiated a motor vehicle stop at West Westfield Avenue and Locust Street resulting in the vehicle, a 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix, occupied by two (2) males, refusing to stop and continuing eastbound into Elizabeth.
The suspects drove through several towns while attempting to elude police. Roselle Park Police were assisted by Union County Police in the pursuit. The suspects’ vehicle ultimately collided into another vehicle at the intersection of Liberty Avenue at he intersection of Winans Avenue in Hillside, NJ. The passenger then fled on foot scaling several fences and hiding in a residential backyard. He was successfully apprehended by Roselle Park Patrolman Alexander Lanza.
The driver also fled on foot into several backyards and was apprehended by Hillside Patrolmen John Leshko and Matthew Casterline on the 300 block of Keer Avenue.
Both suspects provided false names to the police.
An investigation revealed the suspects real names. The driver, Isaiah Knight, age 20, of Newark was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and charged with 2C:35-10(a)4 (possession of CDS marijuana) and 39:4-50.1 (refusal to submit to a breath test). He was transported to Union County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
The passenger, Terry L. Saunders, age 22, of Newark was a wanted on a “No Bail” parole violation warrant. Saunders was initially transported to Newark Beth Israel Hospital for a unknown medical condition. He was released later that day and transported to Union County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and the parole violation detainer.
The vehicle was owned by a relative of Saunders. Both suspects were ultimately charged with 2C:29-9B (eluding), 2C:29-3B(4) (hindering), and 2C:29-2A(3) (resisting). Additional charges are pending.