Alleged N.J. Carjacker Threatens To Jump Off Ledge After Foot Chase With Cops

An alleged carjacker threatened to kill himself after being trapped by pursuing officers during a foot chase on Saturday in Paterson, authorities said.

According to the Paterson Police Department, the incident took place around 3:30 p.m., when officers responded to a report of an armed carjacking at the intersection of Park Avenue and East 19th Street.

Authorities said that when officers arrived on the scene, a suspect – later identified as Quashawn Eccles, 22, of Paterson – fled on foot.

The officers pursued Eccles to 250 Park Avenue, where he entered the building and fled to the 4th floor roof, police stated.

After gaining access to the rooftop, Eccles allegedly threatened to jump off a ledge, police said.

Emergency responders with the Paterson Fire Department and a Paterson Police Department crisis negotiator then opened a line of communication with Eccles, authorities stated.

After 45 minutes of negotiations, Eccles surrendered unharmed and was transported to St. Josephs Medical Center for evaluation, police said.

Officers have not recovered the handgun that was allegedly used in the attempted carjacking, authorities added.

Police charged Eccles with Carjacking, Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.