Belleville Man Hits Wayne Cops With Car, Arrested After Pursuit

By DANIEL HUBBARD (Patch Staff)

A Belleville man was arrested after he hit two Wayne police officers with his car and led authorities on a chase through Passaic and Essex counties Saturday, police said.

Wayne police officers were investigating suspicious activity at a Route 23 Hooters parking lot when they saw Nicholas Vizzone, 22, in the front seat of a Black BMW with marijuana, Detective Capt. Laurence Martin said.

Officer Mike Polifrone approached the vehicle and Vizzone suddenly put the car in reverse, hitting Polifrone and Officer David Hoppe, Martin said. The officers were knocked down and Vizzone drove away.

Polifrone jumped back into his patrol car and chased Vizzone, the captain said, who tried to lose his pursuers b driving through Nutley, Belleville, and Newark.

Vizzone stopped at Mill and Franklin Streets in Newark before running from the car, Martin said.

Vizzone fought with Officer Darren Williams and pushed him into the path of a responding Essex County Sheriff’s car.

Williams, together with Newark, Belleville, and county sheriff’s officers, apprehended Vizzone, Martin said.

Vizzone was charged with three counts of aggravated assault on police officers, assault with a motor vehicle, criminal eluding, drug possession, and several motor vehicle violations for reckless driving. Bail was set at $50,000.

Polifrone and Hoppe were treated for cuts and bruises at Chilton Hospital, police said.

Vizzone ran into a passing vehicle and was taken to the hospital after complaining of arm pain, Martin added.