Police Seek Biker Who Fled Bar Fight In Howell At High Speed

HOWELL, NJ — A motorcyclist who had gone to Tom's Tavern Sunday apparently to have a drink now is facing criminal charges after he fled police who responded to a fight at the bar that started when a woman came in and yelled at him for being at the bar drinking instead of home with his child, police said Monday.

Howell Township police are seeking the identity of the man, who lost his biker helmet as he ignored two police orders to pull over, instead reaching speeds of more than 100 mph as he fled onto Route 547 and then Interstate 195 and headed toward Jackson, police said in a Facebook post.

The man, described as a heavy set bald white male with tattoos on his neck, was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle and headed south on Route 547, then got onto Interstate 195 west, police said.

"Howell officers terminated the pursuit because the risk to all those involved, including the motorcyclist himself, outweighed his immediate apprehension," the post said. He was last seen heading into Jackson, police said.

"Lucky for us and unfortunate for him, he lost his helmet," the post said. "We retrieved it as evidence and will submit for DNA (testing)."

Howell police were called to the bar on Asbury Road about 8 p.m. Sunday; witnesses told police the fight began after the woman, who had a cast on her arm, came in and approached the man, upset he was at the bar drinking instead of home with his child. A second woman tried to intervene, and the fight ensued, police said. The man, realizing police were on the way, fled. Outside he encountered the Howell officers who had arrived.

He ignored multiple attempts to stop him, police said.

"Although we are pursuing leads, we are sure someone knows who this is. We believe he frequents the Cassville Tavern in Jackson and lives in that area, possibly in New Egypt/Plumsted," police said in the post, adding video images will be posted.

If you know can identify the owner of the helmet, Howell police ask you to call 732-939-4111 or use their anonymous confidential tip line at www.p3tips.com, or send them a message via Facebook.

"To the offender, just be a man and turn yourself in. You most likely avoided a DWI. Deal with the criminal and motor vehicle charges. You will be caught if you don’t," the post said.

Here are other images of the helmet; be forewarned they have some unsavory language:

Photos courtesy of Howell Township Police Department