As officials prepared for trial, the man accused of leading police on a high-speed chase across Jersey City last year that injured an innocent bystander, accepted a plea offer today.
According to authorities, on June 4, 2017, shortly after 11 p.m., Jersey City Police Officers attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Ocean and Cator avenues in Jersey City. The vehicle fled the area and was pursued by the officers.
As the driver, later identified as Leo Pinkston, fled he was involved in at least two separate automobile crashes.
The first crash occurred as the Pinkston attempted to drive between two lanes of traffic while travelling on Tonnelle Avenue.
Multiple shots were fired at Pinkston by Jersey City Police Officers.
Several blocks later, Pinkston crashed into a utility pole causing a fire and injuring an innocent male victim - identified as Miguel Feliz - who was also driving on Tonnelle Avenue.
The victim was transported by Emergency Medical Services to The Burn Center at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Under the plea deal, Pinkston is expected to be sentenced to five years for eluding and 18 months for assault.
In addition, Pinkston will have his license suspended for six months but all of the 11 motor vehicle summonses will be dismissed.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 16.