Man Busted After Chase That Injured 3 Long Branch Cops: Police

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — A man involved in a police chase that left three Long Branch officers injured in an accident was found and arrested, police said. Michael A. Priester was charged March 7 with drug distribution and eluding in a motor vehicle, the LBPD announced Wednesday.

The pursuit began on Morris Avenue because of a drug-distribution investigation, the LBPD said. The Feb. 25 pursuit ended after a marked patrol unit and unmarked detective vehicle collided at Ocean Avenue and South Lake Drive, police said.

Officer Joshua Wagner was treated in Jersey Shore University Medical Center for several days, and he is still recuperating from injuries and not yet able to return to duty. Detectives Patrick Vaccaro and Daniel Richards were treated and released at Monmouth Medical Center and returned to duty that evening.

The suspect's vehicle was also damaged in the pursuit and found abandoned a few blocks from the accident, the LBPD said. Detectives continued the investigation and issued a warrant for Priester, 24, who last known residence in Neptune, according to police.

Priester's charges include conspiracy to distribute drugs within 500 feet of a park and also within 1,000 feet of a school, the LBPD said.

“Remember, it’s the accused that decides to initiate the pursuit by failing to stop for the police," Chief Jason Roebuck said. "The Long Branch Police Department was not going to rest until the person responsible for placing our residents and officers in danger was identified and apprehended.

"Vehicle pursuits are inherently dangerous, but as in this case sometimes our officers have no choice but to pursue a dangerous criminal. The Long Branch Police will continue to vigilantly enforce the law while remembering that the safety of the public and our officers are of utmost importance.”

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the pursuit. The Attorney General issues guidelines that specifically state when offices and begin and continue pursuits. The LBPD said they followed these guidelines.

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