A Newark man was recently arrested on charges including aggravated assault, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, and eluding, after Passaic County Sheriff’s Officers identified the stolen vehicle in which he was traveling. A car chase ensued, during which the man allegedly struck a Sheriff’s patrol vehicle, and the man was ultimately apprehended while attempting to flee on foot.
According to a statement from the Passaic County Sheriff, officers were patrolling at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23rd, when they observed a vehicle that was previously reported stolen from East Orange. They attempted to stop the driver, who allegedly reversed and fled the scene.
A chase ensued, during which the driver, 33-year-old Dennis Jones, reportedly struck a Sheriff’s patrol vehicle. After the stolen car sustained a flat tire, Jones allegedly fled on foot. He was eventually taken into custody by multiple Sheriff’s officers and is now facing charges including aggravated assault, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, and eluding.
With regard to the eluding offense, Jones may be facing second degree charges, due to the language included in the eluding statute, found in N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2b. Per the dictates of this statute, eluding is a second degree crime if the person creates a risk of injury or death to another during the course of his or her flight. If this is the case, Jones may be sentenced to serve 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted of this offense alone. In addition, he may be subject to a period of driver’s license suspension ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
For additional information related to this case, access the following article: Man arrested after chase, ramming patrol car, Passaic sheriff says
