Belleville Police Chase Ends With Injuries For 4 Cops: Prosecutor

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A crash during a police pursuit in Belleville caused injuries to four officers and a civilian on Thursday night, prosecutors said.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday that Wilfredo A. Soto, 21, of Nutley, has been charged in connection with the police vehicle chase.

According to prosecutors:

“Last night at approximately 9:55 p.m. a Belleville Police officer attempted to stop an ATV, allegedly driven by Soto, who was traveling on Washington Avenue. Soto allegedly refused to stop. The first unit pursued him and called for backup. In the vicinity of Greylock Parkway and Washington Avenue the ATV collided with a car driven by a civilian. Two police cars that were responding to assist collided with each other.”

Four officers in the police cars were taken to University Hospital and the civilian was taken to another area hospital. All five had non-life-threatening injuries and were treated and released, authorities said.

Soto was arrested and charged with five counts of aggravated assault, second degree eluding, contempt and various motor vehicle offenses, prosecutors said.

“Consistent with Attorney General guidelines, the matter is being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office because it involves a police pursuit,” prosecutors stated Friday. “The investigation is active and ongoing.”

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