By: Richard L. Smith
A high-speed pursuit triggered by an assault on a police officer in Passaic County ended in Newark on Saturday night with an apprehension of at least one suspect, authorities said.
The incident reportedly began in Clifton when police attempted to stop a blue vehicle with temporary tags, whose occupants were allegedly involved in an aggravated assault against an officer.
The driver refused to comply, speeding onto NJ-21 southbound and heading toward Newark.
The chase continued through Exit 4 and onto McCarter Highway before the vehicle came to a halt and caught fire on Mount Pleasant Avenue in Newark’s North Ward.
Two suspects bailed from the burning car, prompting a police search.
Officers from the Newark Police Department and Nutley Police canvassed the area near the Burger King on Clay and Broad Streets, eventually apprehending one of the suspects on Gouverneur Street.
EMS was called to the scene to assist the individual, who reported experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain.
The second suspect remains at large. The investigation is ongoing as police continue to search for the remaining individual involved in the incident.