Crime & Safety
Howell, NJSP Search Overnight After Suspects Flee Crash
One man was in custody; K9s and a helicopter were looking for at least one more; the incident started with 2 speeding vehicles, police said.
HOWELL, NJ — A Florida man was in custody and authorities were still searching for at least one more person late Tuesday night following a police pursuit and a crash in Howell.
Everett Dalequion, 21, from Lauderhill, Florida, was arrested after he was found walking in the area of Manassa Road and Norse Road, Howell Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. said.
But Howell Police K9 units and a New Jersey State Police helicopter with thermal and night imaging were still searching for at least one other person as of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police asked residents to stay inside Tuesday night "so as not to disturb scent," but they also were asked to turn on their outdoor lights to aid the search.
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The incident began shortly after 9 p.m. when Howell Cpl. Jason Baratta tried to pull over two vehicles — a Ford Explorer and an Audi —that were being driven at an excessive speed in the area of Georgia Tavern Road.
The Audi was able to get on Interstate 195 and escape, Kudrick said. The Explorer, however, continued on Georgia Tavern Road, and Baratta stopped the pursuit because of the reckless operation of the Explorer, Kudrick said.
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A short time later Baratta found the Explorer crashed but empty at the intersection of Peskin Road and Casino Drive; evidence showed there were at least two people in the Ford, he said.
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Police set up a perimeter and brought in a Howell Police K9 unit. A short time later, Patrolman Richard Robertiello saw a person at the intersection of Manassa Road and Norse Road. That person was later identified Dalequion, Kudrick said. Dalequione was determined to be involved with the crashed Explorer, which had been rented in Florida.
Police were processing the Explorer for evidence, Kudrick said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Howell police at 732-938-4111 or use our anonymous tip service www.p3tips.com
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