Suspect Hits Cop With Car In Essex County While Fleeing Police: Authorities

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A suspect fleeing from police hit an officer with their car on Sunday night in Belleville, authorities say.

The incident took place on Mill Street near Branch Brook Park as officers were trying to apprehend a fleeing suspect, according to Mayor Frank Vélez, who said he was briefed by Police Chief Mark Minichini about the encounter.

The officer fired his weapon after being hit by the vehicle, and the suspect fled the scene, authorities said.

The injured officer and his partner are both currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, Vélez reported.

The officers’ injuries have been reported as non-life-threatening.

“On behalf of the Township of Belleville, our thoughts and prayers are with both officers and their families,” Vélez said.

A police investigation into the incident continues, the mayor said.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office released a statement about the incident on Monday, noting that no civilians or officers were struck by gunfire.

The officers were attempting to make a traffic stop at the time. Both were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, prosecutors said.

Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

The suspect – who was not identified – was apprehended in Connecticut early Monday morning, the Hartford Courant reported.

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