HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ — A Milford family has filed a civil lawsuit alleging a New Jersey state trooper's "unjustified high-speed" chase led to the death of their 20-year-old son in October 2024.
The complaint was filed by the Estate of Scott Evan Segreaves, Jr., along with his parents, Lisa A. Ridge and Scott Evan Segreaves, Sr.
New Jersey State Trooper Nicholas Pryszlak was identified in the lawsuit as having "personally participated in initiating, authorizing, directing, or knowingly continuing the pursuit."
The lawsuit follows a state grand jury's decision not to file criminal charges against Pryszlak in connection with the death of Segreaves, Jr. in Holland Township.
According to the complaint, Segreaves was driving in Milford Borough on Oct. 18, 2024, at about 10:24 p.m.
The filing alleges Pryszlak "gave chase to John Evans Segreaves, Jr.'s said vehicle in connection with an alleged speeding violation."
The vehicles drove along Frenchtown Road and onto Stamets Road, where Pryszlak allegedly "activated his emergency lights and siren and pursued Segreaves at a high rate of speed along dangerous winding roads."
The filing says the Attorney General's public account reported Pryszlak's vehicle reached "at least 73 miles per hour during the chase."
It also says police vehicle recordings and third-party surveillance footage documented portions of the events.
The lawsuit alleges Segreaves' vehicle then "veered off Stamets Road near Gallmeier Road, and traveled down an embankment, striking trees, and overturning."
The complaint states Segreaves was ejected and sustained fatal injuries.
The lawsuit points to New Jersey's Attorney General Vehicular Pursuit Policy and applicable New Jersey State Police standing orders, claiming those rules restricted when a pursuit could begin or continue, required officers to assess risks and alternatives, and imposed notification and termination requirements.
The filing specifically cites sections of the April 2022 policy that, according to the complaint, limit pursuit for motor vehicle offenses unless an officer reasonably believes the driver posed a specified imminent threat before the attempted stop.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege the chase was unjustified and constituted willful misconduct. They also assert federal civil rights, New Jersey Civil Rights Act, wrongful death and survival claims, and seek damages and a jury trial.
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