3 Years in Prison for Driver Who Tried Running Over North Jersey Cop

The Sparta Township man who nearly struck a police officer with his car earlier this year rather than stopping his vehicle when instructed, then resisted arrest at his home, was sentenced to three years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to a handful of charges.

Newton Superior Court Judge James DeMarzo sentenced Jeffrey Ramirez, adding $1,200 in fines, according to nj.com.

In May, Ramirez pleaded guilty to second degree eluding a law enforcement officer, third degree aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, fourth degree resisting arrest, and other motor vehicle offenses as well driving while intoxicated.

See the incredible dashboard camera footage of the incident here.

Sparta police were notified of an erratic motorist on Route 15 north just after 10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, Sparta Township Sgt. Dennis Proctor said. Sgt. Jeff Mase, on patrol, positioned himself at the jug handle near the railroad tracks at mile 14 to observe traffic, Proctor said.

When a group of vehicles approached, one motorist stopped behind Mase’s vehicle, and another flagged down the Sgt., Proctor said. Upon speaking with the driver, Mase was told the erratic driver had just pulled behind the officer’s patrol car, Proctor said.

Mase then approached the vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Sequoia, and told the driver to remain stopped, Proctor said. The driver, later identified as Jeffrey Ramirez, 23, stepped on the gas toward Mase, forcing the officer to dive out of the way and onto the pavement, Proctor said. As a result, Mase injured his back and neck, Proctor said.

Fleeing the scene, Ramirez allegedly struck the patrol car, sideswiping the entire length of the vehicle, Proctor said.

Ramirez then disregarded a red traffic signal, nearly collided with another vehicle at the intersection, and fled south on Lafayette Road, Proctor said.

Despite Mase’s condition, he was able to determine Ramirez fled onto Skyview Drive, less than a mile from the scene, Proctor said. He then found the vehicle had hit a mailbox and drove onto the lawn of a home on that road, Proctor said.

Backup units arrived at the home with Mase, who was approached by Freddy Ramirez, 53, the homeowner and Jeffrey Ramirez’s son. The older Ramirez became uncooperative, and police then applied for a search warrant after being denied access into the home, Proctor said.

When the homeowner tried to regain entry to his home against police orders, he was placed under arrest but resisted violently, Proctor said. As a result he claimed he injured his leg and head, Proctor said.

A search warrant was obtained and police then entered the home, where they found Jeffrey Ramirez hiding in a closet, Proctor said. The man was highly intoxicated and fought with police when they attempted to take him into custody, Proctor said.

Both Jeffrey and Freddy Ramirez were taken to Newton Medical Center. The elder was treated for injuries and the younger had a blood sample drawn per court order.

Mase suffered neck, back, and shoulder injuries from the incident and was out of work for two weeks.