Bayville Man Admits Fleeing From Cops During Drug Traffic Stop

BERKELEY, NJ — A Bayville man admitted to speeding away from police, who were trying to pull him over as part of a drug investigation, according to authorities.

David Lemmon, 67, pleaded guilty to eluding in connection with the Nov. 8, 2023 incident in Manchester, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. At the time of his sentencing in January, a sentence of five years will be sought.

Detectives saw Lemmon driving with John McDaniel, 47, of Toms River, as a passenger on that day in November, Billhimer said. They watched Lemmon drive to Trenton before coming back to Ocean County.

A marked Manchester police car attempted to pull Lemmon over in the area of Ridgeway Road, Billhimer said. However, Lemmon drove away in "a reckless manner," speeding and cutting off other drivers, Billhimer said. Police stopped the pursuit due to safety concerns.

Shortly after, McDaniel was seen walking on Railroad Avenue in Lakehurst and taken into custody by local police. He was charged with possession of less than one half ounce of heroin with intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess less than one half ounce of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin, and possession of drug paraphernalia. These charges remain pending as of Lemmon's guilty plea.

After that, Lemmon was found at a Whiting residence and taken into custody by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Strike Force without incident. He was taken to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released due to New Jersey Bail Reform.