NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — A Hopatcong man has been charged following an investigation into a motorcycle eluding incident that occurred in Newton late last month, police said.
According to police, an officer attempted to stop a motorcycle during the early morning hours of April 28 after observing a traffic violation. The motorcycle pulled into the parking garage at 225 Spring St. before the encounter escalated.
Police said the operator failed to comply with commands and fled the scene on the motorcycle at a high rate of speed. Authorities said the motorcycle was later seen traveling recklessly and in the opposite lane of traffic before it was lost from sight.
Through a subsequent investigation, police identified the suspect as John Sanchez Jr., 24, of Hopatcong Borough. Investigators also identified the motorcycle involved as a dark-colored Yamaha displaying a fictitious license plate.
Authorities said investigators later discovered the motorcycle had been advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Surveillance footage and additional evidence gathered during the investigation allegedly connected Sanchez to the incident.
On May 13, Sanchez was arrested with assistance from the Hopatcong Police Department.
He was charged with eluding, obstruction and disorderly conduct, along with multiple motor vehicle violations.
