South Brunswick Police are on the search for two suspects wanted for an aggravated assault on a police officer on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement released by police, authorities say at 3:45 PM, motorists observed a 2016 grey Kia Sorrento driving erratically on Route 32 east near the intersection of Route 535.
Detective Eric Tighelaar and Detective Monica Posteraro located the Kia Sorrento and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Detective Tighelaar approached the Kia Sorrento and began speaking with the driver Alan Fratello Jr, age 46 of Monmouth Junction, and the front passenger Jaqueline Smith, 41, of Monmouth Junction according to police.
Police say Mr. Fratello Jr. then suddenly grabbed Detective Tighelaar’s tie and began driving away, forcing Detective Tighelaar to run alongside the vehicle. Detective Tighelaar began pushing himself off of Mr. Fratello Jr’s vehicle and was able to break free.
Mr. Fratello Jr. then drove his vehicle over the center median and headed back towards Route 130. Other drivers in the area reported seeing a grey Kia Sorrento driving erratically at that time as well police said in the statement.
Chief Raymond Hauducka commented on how this incident highlights the everyday dangers of Law Enforcement. “It only takes a split second for a routine interaction to turn into a potentially deadly situation. All the individuals involved are lucky that this did not end in tragedy.”
Other police agencies already want Mr. Fratello Jr. and Ms. Smith for unrelated offenses. Police say Mr. Fratello Jr has ties to Edison and Toms River. Both individuals have been known to drive the 2016 grey Kia Sorrento, which has a handicapped license plate according to police.
As a result of this incident, police charged Mr. Fratello Jr. with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Eluding.
The South Brunswick Police are currently attempting locate Alan Fratello Jr and Jaqueline Smith. If you have any information on the whereabouts of either individual please contact the South Brunswick Police Department at 732-329-4646.