High-Speed Chase Ends With Crash, Drug Arrest

Morris County Park Police arrested a Middlesex County man who they said was under the influence of PCP after he allegedly led cops on an “erratic” chase on Interstate 80 Wednesday night.

Jose A. Vazquez, 25, of Dunellen, was charged with second-degree eluding, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, driving under the influence of drugs and 14 additional motor vehicle violations.

He was sent to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

According to Morris County Park Police, Vazquez was seen driving erratically on I-80 East near exit 39 around 10:30 p.m. Police said they saw Vazquez stop in the middle of the roadway and a passing motorist told police Vazquez had allegedly struck a tractor trailer and fled the scene moments prior.

Vazquez resumed driving and police attempted to stop the vehicle, which continued traveling on I-80 erratically, police said, almost striking motorists and the center median on several occasions.

Vazquez did not initially pull over, police said, and led police on a chase that ranged in speeds from 20 miles per hour to 100 miles per hour onto I-87 North. Vazquez crashed the vehicle a short time later off of exit 45 in Boonton, police said. Police spoke with Vazquez, who they believed to be under the influence of drugs.

Vazquez was arrested at the scene. Hanover Township police assisted with the arrest.