Florham Park Car Chase Lands Man 14 Years in Prison

An Elizabeth man was sentenced to 14 years in prison and five years of parole ineligibility after he sped away from officers in February 2011, driving up to 90 mph, and was charged with eluding, according to authorities.

Vambah Sheriff, 27, was found guilty of second-degree eluding in April, Morris County Acting Prosecutor Fredric Knapp said.

“The crime of eluding a police officer under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2.(b) is extremely serious. Any individual who knowingly flees or attempts to elude any police or law enforcement officer after having received a signal from such officer to bring the vehicle to a full stop, as was done here, commits a crime of the third degree," Knapp said.

"However, in this case, it rose to the level of a second degree as the flight created a risk of death or injury. In this case, the defendant attempted and successfully eluded Florham Park police officers on a crowded highway at extremely high speeds, putting both the officer and the public at large in danger.”

The charges stem from a February 3, 2011 incident in which Florham Park police attempted to stop Sheriff's car after a random license plate check showed that his driving privileges were suspended, according to Knapp.

Florham Park Police Ptl. Brian Mensing had initiated a traffic stop, but as Mensing was approaching Sheriff's car, Knapp said Sheriff sped away on Route 24, driving between 80 mph and 90 mph. Florham Park police pursued Sheriff's car.

Police arrested Sheriff later that night in Elizabeth, Knapp said.

Knapp said Sheriff is already serving a state prison term in Essex County and will be required to serve the new term consecutively. Knapp thanked Assistant Prosecutor Joseph J. D’Onofrio, Jr., who tried the case before a jury.

Knapp also thanked the Florham Park Police Department, City of Elizabeth Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor's Office General Investigations Unit for assistance with the arrest and case.