Foot Chase Results in Head Injury for Hopatcong Man, Cops Say

A 21-year-old Hopatcong man was arrested and jailed after leading police on a foot chase on Lackawanna Trail late Tuesday night, Lt. Thomas Kmetz said.

Officers Bianculli, Lotito, and O’Shea responded to a home on that road in reference to a dispute, Kmetz said. At the time, Bianculli found a no-bail warrant for Dylan Tallaksen out of Sussex County, Kmetz said.

In a patrol car dashboard camera video — which has not been released by the police — Tallaksen is shown leaning against the front of the patrol car just before Bianculli attempts to handcuff him, Kmetz said.

Tallaksen then sprinted away from the officers, who gave chase, Kmetz said. The sprint went through a number of yards until Tallaksen dove over a fence head first, followed by Bianculli, Kmetz said.

A struggle ensued and once O’Shea arrived, the officers were able to subdue the Hopatcong resident and handcuff him, Kmetz said. After lighting the area, police found Tallaksen had an injury to his head as a result of hitting a rock after diving over the fence, Kmetz said.

Tallaksen was arrested and taken to police headquarters, then taken by the Hopatcong Ambulance Squad to Newton Hospital. Once he was released he was brought to Sussex County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

O’Shea suffered a leg injury and ripped uniform as a result of the incident, Kmetz said.

Tallaksen was charged with eluding, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and aggravated assault.