Suspected Drunk Driver Flees Traffic Stop, Arrested At Home: Howell Police

HOWELL, NJ — A Millstone Township man who sped off Friday night when police asked him to step out of his truck during a motor vehicle stop is facing criminal charges and forfeiture proceedings on his vehicle, Howell Township police said.

Kory Werner, 37, of Millstone, was driving a 2005 Toyota Tacoma when Howell Patrolman David Gilliland pulled him over in the area of Route 9 and Alexander Avenue, police said Saturday.

Upon speaking with Werner, Gilliland suspected he was impaired due to alcohol consumption, police said, and Howell Patrolman Daniel Murphy, who was assisting with the stop, saw an alcoholic beverage inside the vehicle, police said.

At that point, Werner was asked to get out of the truck, police said. Instead of complying, Werner rolled up all the windows and refused, and when officers tried to break the window, Werner sped off, police said.

Howell officers pursued initially and were authorized to do so because the driver was suspected to be drunk, which created a risk to the public, police said. But as Werner's driving became too reckless, with confirmation Werner was the driver, Sgt. Scott Revilak terminated the pursuit, police said.

There were no accidents or injuries as a result of the pursuit, police said.

Howell police returned to headquarters and issued a warrant for second-degree eluding, police said. Werner was detained at his home by New Jersey State Police (who patrol Millstone) and turned over to Howell patrol officers, who brought him back to Howell.

Werner was charged wwith eluding, obstruction of justice, reckless driving in Howell Township and other motor vehicle offenses, and his bail was set at $30,000, police said. The Toyota Tacoma was seized for forfeiture, police said.

Werner's bail was posted by a family member in full and he was released, police said.