Police Arrest Driver After Chasing 4 People In Ski Masks On Route 4: Cops

PARAMUS, NJ — Paramus police responding to an "unsanctioned" meetup involving approximately 500 vehicles on a Bergen County highway ended up pursuing and arresting a teen driver parked nearby, they said.

Police said that around 1 a.m. on Saturday, they responded to the meetup at the Sports Authority parking lot on Route 4 West.

While en route, Officer Connor Nutland observed a 2011 white Chevrolet Cruze parked in the adjacent Ikea parking lot.

As he approached, "Four males wearing ski masks entered the vehicle and began to flee," police said. "The driver ... attempted to evade the officer, driving out of the Ikea lot, crossing into oncoming lanes, and disregarding a traffic light."

The vehicle eventually entered Route 17 South, where it slowed and came to a stop, police said.

Nutland noticed what appeared to be a black Glock handgun in a car door, which was later identified as a replica BB gun, police said.

Derek Frick, 18, of Easton, Pa., was arrested and charged with eluding and possession of a weapon and issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, police said.

The three other occupants, all juveniles, were released to their guardians, police said.

Paramus police also monitored the dispersal of the car meetup from the area, police said.

Chief Robert Guidetti told Patch on Monday that police have still not determined why the four occupants of the car were there, and if it was part of the meetup.