A North Caldwell Police Sergeant was transported to an area hospital after reportedly being dragged by the driver of a stolen car Wednesday morning.
According to authorities, at approximately 4:51 a.m. North, West and Caldwell police department officers responded to the area of Mountain Avenue near White Oak Road after receiving reports of suspicious individuals seen running through a backyard.
Officials say minutes later an area resident called headquarters reporting individuals running on Mountain Avenue toward Knollwood Drive.
Police say North Caldwell Police Sergeant John Belotta patrolling the area spotted two vehicles - a Grey Nissan Rogue and Black Jeep Wrangler driving - reported stolen out of Morris Plains and Maplewood on Deer Trail Road. Sergeant Belotta attempted to stop the vehicles but was instead allegedly dragged after grabbing onto the vehicle’s window as the driver sped away.
Officials say assisting officers from North Caldwell arrested two individuals on Brookside Terrace, while with the assistance of Verona, Roseland and Livingston officers, made additional arrests on Devon Road.
Police say five people - from Maplewood, Newark and Irvington - were arrested and a gun was recovered.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with video or information should contact North Caldwell Police at (973)226-0800.