Brooklyn man arrested after pursuit through multiple Somerset County towns injures two state troopers
SOMERSET COUNTY, N.J. — A 30-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested Sunday after allegedly leading police on a multi-town pursuit in a stolen vehicle, striking several patrol cars, and injuring two New Jersey State Police troopers, according to State Police spokesperson Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.
At approximately 11:24 a.m. on June 1, troopers responded to a report of a stolen Toyota Sienna wanted in connection with a possible strong-arm robbery in New York and an aggravated assault on a Springfield Township police officer. The officer was allegedly struck by the suspect while outside his vehicle.
Springfield Township police initially began pursuing the vehicle on Interstate 287 south near milepost 30, but the chase was terminated. Troopers later located the vehicle near milepost 24.2 in Bedminster Township and began a second pursuit onto U.S. Route 202 southbound in Branchburg Township, which was also called off. The vehicle later traveled north on Route 202, where the pursuit resumed.
At the intersection of Route 202 and Whiton Road, troopers attempted a high-risk motor vehicle stop. The suspect vehicle struck a troop car while trying to flee, prompting another chase onto U.S. Route 22 eastbound. There, the vehicle hit multiple State Police vehicles before becoming disabled near milepost 35.5 in Bridgewater Township.
The suspect fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.
The driver, identified as Ashton Charles of Brooklyn, was charged with third-degree receiving a stolen vehicle; five counts of third-degree criminal mischief; fourth-degree resisting arrest by flight; second-degree eluding in a motor vehicle, creating risk of death or injury; two counts of third-degree aggravated assault on law enforcement; two counts of fourth-degree aggravated assault on law enforcement; and three counts of second-degree aggravated assault while eluding resulting in injury.
He was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Two troopers sustained minor injuries during the pursuit. The investigation remains active, and no further information has been released.
