NJ Man Hits Cop With Car In Newark, Drives Away: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A Union County man who allegedly hit a police officer with his car in Newark and drove away has been located and arrested, authorities say.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the incident took place on Dec. 3. Here’s what happened, authorities said:

“At approximately 3:30 p.m., a Newark police sergeant conducted a motor vehicle stop of a gray 2013 Mercedes-Benz C25 in the 200 block of South Street. The driver – Jacque L. Cook, 25, of Union – became agitated during the stop and refused to comply with the sergeant’s request that he exit his vehicle. The officers attempted to remove Cook from the vehicle, but he turned his steering wheel in the sergeant’s direction and struck him before driving away at high speed, heading eastbound on South Street. As he fled, police observed that Mr. Cook disregarded the safety of pedestrians and other drivers in the roadway and also drove through a red traffic signal at South Street and Pacific Street, and a stop sign at South Street and Jefferson Street.”

The injured sergeant was transported to University Hospital for treatment of swelling and bruising to his knee. He is reportedly in stable condition, authorities said.

A warrant was issued for Cook’s arrest on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, possession of a weapon (automobile), and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police found and arrested Cook last week, authorities said:

“On Dec. 8, Cook, who was being sought by police, was located as a passenger inside a vehicle driven by Jessica Washington, 26, of Irvington, on the 600-block of South 10th Street. After being advised to exit the car, Cook initially complied but then fled on foot. He was apprehended at Shanley Avenue near Avon Avenue.”

Cook now faces a second charge of resisting arrest, police said.

Washington was also arrested at South 10th Street. Police alleged that they had spoken with her as part of the investigation, and she denied knowing Cook’s whereabouts. She was charged with obstruction of the administration of the law and hindering apprehension, authorities said.

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