2 Cops Injured, Multiple Police Cars Rammed During Chase On Routes 202, 22

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Two New Jersey State Troopers were injured and multiple police vehicles were rammed during a chase of a stolen car through Somerset County on Interstate 287, Route 202 and Route 22, said New Jersey State Police(NJSP) Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.

On Sunday at around 11:24 a.m., NJSP troopers responded to a report of a stolen Toyota Sienna.

The van was wanted in connection with a potential strong-arm robbery in New York and an aggravated assault on a Springfield Township Police Department officer, during which the suspect allegedly hit the officer while he was outside his vehicle, said Lebron.

On I-287 South, in the area of milepost 30, Springfield Township Police began a chase of the vehicle, which was later terminated.

At milepost 24.2 in Bedminster Township, state troopers found the vehicle and began a brief pursuit onto Route 202 South in Branchburg, which was also terminated.

Troopers later re-started the chase as the vehicle traveled back north on Route 202.

At the intersection of Route 202 and Whiton Road, state troopers tried to conduct a high-risk motor vehicle stop but the suspect vehicle hit a trooper's car while trying to flee, said Lebron.

The pursuit was re-started and continued onto Route 22 East, where the vehicle hit multiple trooper cars, before becoming disabled at milepost 35.5 in Bridgewater Township, said Lebron.

The suspect then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended, said Lebron.

The suspect, Ashton Charles, 30, from Brooklyn, NY, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• Receiving a Stolen Vehicle (third-degree)
• Criminal Mischief (third degree) – five counts
• Resisting Arrest / Eluding – Flight to Prevent Arrest (fourth-degree)
• Resisting Arrest / Eluding – Motor Vehicle, Risk of Death or Injury (second-degree)
• Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement (third-degree) – two counts
• Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement (fourth-degree) – two counts
• Aggravated Assault While Eluding Resulting in Injury (second-degree) – three counts

Charles was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Two troopers had minor injuries as a result of the motor vehicle crashes. The investigation remains active, and no additional information is available at this time.

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