By: Richard L. Smith
Newark and East Orange Police engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a vehicle connected to an aggravated assault involving an Essex County law enforcement official.
The incident, which began shortly before 2 a.m., involved a Kia reported stolen earlier in the evening from 3rd Avenue in Newark. The suspects purposely crashed into the detective's vehicle.
The wanted car, occupied by four masked suspects, sped through various wards of Newark in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with law enforcement.
Newark Police eventually terminated the chase as the suspects entered East Orange via Ampere Parkway. However, the pursuit was quickly resumed by East Orange Police upon sighting the speeding vehicle near North 15th Street and Park Avenue.
The chase was short-lived as officers lost visual contact with the car, which was later found crashed into a parked car on North 14th Street. The five suspects had already fled the scene and remain at large.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this high-stakes pursuit.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident and search for the suspects involved.
CLARIFICATION: We previously reported that the detective involved was from the ECPO, based on an earlier account. We have since been informed by officials that the detective was not from this agency. We regret the error and apologize for any confusion caused.