A Butler NJ man allegedly fled police after an officer caught him smoking marijuana near a strip mall in Bloomingdale, New Jersey.

A Bloomingdale detective was on patrol near Riverside Square on Main Street when he reportedly saw two men smoking pot in a secluded area in the back of the strip mall. When the officer approached the suspects, one of the men immediately surrendered. However, the other suspect allegedly ran away and tried to flee the scene on foot.

The detective immediately called for backup. A short time later, officers from Bloomingdale, Butler, and Riverdale arrived at the scene to lend assistance.

The ensuing search led officers along the banks of the Pequannock River. According to police, the suspect was attempting the cross the river in order to get to the Riverdale side.

A Riverdale NJ police officer eventually apprehended the suspect. The officer reportedly suffered a knee injury during the pursuit.

The suspect was placed under arrest and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and resisting arrest. After being charged, the suspect was taken to the Passaic County Jail; he is being held at the facility on a $25,000 bail amount.

Meanwhile, the other suspect was charged with simple possession of marijuana. Shortly after being processed, he was released from custody on his own recognizance.

For more information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Man Crosses Pequannock River to Evade Police After He’s Spotted Smoking Pot, Police Say.”