Sparta NJ Assault by Auto ChargesPolice in Sparta NJ arrested two people after one of them allegedly tried to hit a police officer with his vehicle.

The Sparta Township Police Department got several 911 calls about an erratic driver on Route 15. A Sparta NJ police officer stopped his patrol car on the jughandle near mile-marker 14 in order to observe traffic and spot the suspect’s vehicle.

The officer observed a silver 2006 Toyota Sequioia drive toward him and park just behind the patrol vehicle. Another motorist then came over and alerted the officer that the parked car had been driving erratically.

When the officer walked toward the suspect’s vehicle, the suspect allegedly accelerated the car and drove at the officer. The officer had to dive out of the way in order to avoid being struck. As a result of the fall to the pavement, the officer suffered injuries to his neck, back, and shoulder. The officer later received medical treatment at Newton Medical Center.

After nearly hitting the officer, the suspect reportedly sideswiped the patrol car and then left the scene. During the getaway, the suspect allegedly ran through a red light and nearly hit another vehicle in the intersection.

The police officer followed the suspect and found a damaged Toyota at a house on Skyview Drive. The officer then spoke with the homeowner, who authorities later identified as the father of the suspect.

Police obtained a search warrant and entered the premises. While police conducted their search, the father allegedly ignored officers’ requests to remain outside. Police ultimately had to place the father under arrest. The father was charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, and hindering apprehension.

During the search of the home, police reportedly found the suspect hiding in a closet. The suspect was allegedly intoxicated and resisted when police tried to arrest him.

The 23-year-old suspect was charged with second degree eluding police, third degree aggravated assault by auto, and fourth degree resisting arrest. He was also charged with a DWI offense and cited for a number of other traffic violations.

Police indicated that additional charges in the case could be pending.

 

To learn more about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “Man Tried to Run Down Cop with Car, Hid in Closet, Police Say.”