Bail Set at $10K for Man Who Led Cops on Chase Near School, Police Say

A speedy car pursuit that started in Hackettstown Wednesday afternoon ended with the arrest of an Andover man accused of stealing from the Mansfield Walmart, according to Sgt. Darren Tynan.

Douglas Umstead, 39, was charged with eluding, reckless driving and failure to use a turn signal. He was sent to the Sussex County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

Umstead led several local police departments on a chase after initially being stopped on Route 604, near Pine Street, for questioning by Hackettstown police regarding a theft at Walmart, Tynan said. Tynan was unsure what exactly was reported stolen from Walmart, but Umstead's vehicle was described by the Mansfield Police Department in reference to the theft crime.

The Hackettstown police officer approached Umstead's car just before 3 p.m., Tynan said, and asked for his credentials. As the officer was walking back to his patrol car, Umstead allegedly started his vehicle and drove north on Route 604, speeding through a school zone.

Byram police were able to stop Umstead's car in the township and he was arrested.

For questions on this report, email ariana.cohn-sheehan@patch.com.