Motorcyclist Dies And Driver Arrested After NJ Police Chase, Crash: AG

HOPE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Officials say a man died Tuesday morning after an SUV driver, who was being pursued by New Jersey State Police, crashed into his motorcycle on a Warren County roadway.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office is investigating the fatal collision, which took place along County Road 521 in Hope Township.

According to AG Matthew Platkin's office, a trooper began following the SUV on I-80 eastbound near milepost 11, at around 10:19 a.m. Authorities said the male driver took the next exit for C.R. 521 south, passed another vehicle on the left, and then moved to merge back.

While merging, the SUV hit the southbound motorcyclist and the impact caused the driver to be thrown from his bike, the AG's office said. The SUV went off the road to the right and stopped in a wooded area.

First responders tried to save the motorcycle rider, but he died at the scene, officials said. The SUV driver is currently being held at the Warren County Jail after a medical evaluation, the AG's office added.

Neither the motorcyclist nor the SUV driver has been identified at this time, and officials did not say why the trooper began following the SUV. The Warren County Prosecutor's Office will investigate the driver's role in the crash.

As with any death that occurs during an encounter with law enforcement, the Attorney General's office will also conduct an investigation.

No further details were released.