Police Search Neighborhood for Suspect

Police on Friday were searching a residential neighborhood for a man who fled after a traffic stop revealed a handgun in the car in which he was a passenger.

Police searched yards on Stratford Drive for nearly two hours after the suspect ran from Livingston police around 10 a.m. on Friday. The search involved officers from the State Police, Essex County Sherriff’s Office, and Livingston, East Hanover, Millburn and Florham Park police departments.

Police were not able to find the suspect and Det. Sgt. Anthony Dippold said he believes the suspect has since left Livingston.

The driver of the car was caught and charged with possession of a handgun and eluding police, Dippold said. Police did not release the driver’s name on Friday afternoon.

Police found a .45-caliber handgun on the floor of the 2002 S60 Volvo the duo were driving on South Orange Avenue. Officer Rick Howard was on patrol when he observed the car missing a front license plate and overdue inspection sticker.

When Howard tried to stop the car, the suspects pulled into a U-shaped driveway near the Walnut Street intersection and quickly exited back onto South Orange Avenue, Dippold said.

The car, however, got stuck in traffic waiting for the light to change. Both suspects fled the vehicle and Howard was able to radio for help and arrest the driver. The passenger was observed running toward Winston Drive.

The suspect, described as a black male in his 20s wearing a dark sweatsuit, was filmed by the in-car police video camera fleeing the Volvo, Dippold said.

While officers checked yards on Stratford Drive, a small deer ran out from the bushes and pranced across the neighborhood. “It did get my attention,” Dippold said.

Police did not believe the suspect was a threat to residents in the area. Lawn crews continued their work during the search and a resident on Hastings Lane reported seeing the suspect about 20 minutes before police arrived.

“We believe he has fled the area,” Dippold said.

This is a continuing investigation. Patch will provide updates when they are available.