Felon Leads Cops On High-Speed Chase Throughout Morris Co., Police Say

CHESTER, NJ — A Dover man was arrested on Thursday after taking police on a high-speed chase through several Morris County neighborhoods, according to police.

Officials said that around 2:30 p.m., a resident reported a “suspicious male” standing beside a silver minivan on Ryan Court in Chester.

Police discovered that the van had been stolen and involved in a pursuit in Roxbury Township that morning. Authorities also found that the driver, Sean P. Janas, 45, was wanted on a parole violation for armed robbery.

Janas then jumped into the van and sped off towards Old Chester Road, authorities said.

Police began to pursue the minivan, traveling at “a high rate of speed” through the residential neighborhood. Janas drove over a curb in an effort to shake police, damaging the front wheel on the van, according to officials.

The pursuit continued onto US Highway 206 northbound, as Janas collided with several other cars traveling near the Route 24 intersection in Chester Borough, police said.

The van eventually broke down in Mount Olive Township near the Overlook at Flanders apartment complex, where Janas exited the vehicle and ran into the woods. Chester, Mt. Olive, and Roxbury police quickly apprehended him.

He was taken to Hackettstown Medical Center for medical evaluation and will be housed in the Morris County Jail when released.

Janas is charged with eluding, receiving stolen property, and criminal mischief, in addition to several motor vehicle offenses.

Authorities added that no officers, citizens, or motorists were injured during the pursuit.