Motorcyclists assault 62-year-old driver, steal cellphone in Hunterdon County; $1,500 reward offered

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying several motorcyclists who assaulted a 62-year-old driver, and stole his cellphone Saturday morning in Clinton Township, according to Chief Thomas A. DeRosa.

On September 3, at around 10:12 a.m., police responded to an assault in progress on Cokesbury Road. The incident stemmed from a near motor vehicle collision between a vehicle and multiple motorcyclists, DeRosa said.

Police were advised a group of motorcyclists had dragged a 62-year-old man from his vehicle, assaulted him, and stole his cellphone, DeRosa said.

While responding, Ptl. Musacchio observed the motorcycles fleeing the scene and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop on Cokesbury Road in his fully marked patrol car. The motorcycles failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed on Route 22 West, initiating a pursuit, DeRosa said.

Sgt. Ross observed approximately 13 motorcycles as they approached Petticoat Lane still heading Route 22 West, DeRosa said.

Sgt. Ross pursued the motorcycles onto Route 78 West, in his fully marked patrol car, until they exited onto Route 173, Exit 11, in Union Township. The officer was able to obtain a partial New York registration along with the specific make and model of the motorcycle, DeRosa said.

Sgt. Ross terminated the pursuit in favor of alternative investigative means which are actively being pursued. Pending charges may include robbery, aggravated assault, and eluding, DeRosa said.

The Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,500 for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010, going online at www.CrimeStoppersHunterdon.com, or through the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app. All tips are anonymous and kept confidential.