Man Arrested After Police Chase SUV Into New York

MAHWAH, N.J. — A man was arrested after two police chases, including one in Mahwah, and resisted arrest during a court appearance, authorities said.

Sgt. Michael Blondin saw a black Toyota SUV speeding, tailgating and unsafely passing other vehicles on Route 287 North on the afternoon of Jan. 13, said Chief James Batelli.

Blondin tried to stop the vehicle and the driver, Jason A. Roman, of West Hartford, Connecticut, pulled over to the side of the road, but then sped away and onto the New York State Thruway where two other Mahwah police officer joined the pursuit, Batelli said.

The chase continued onto Route 59 near the Nanuet Mall where police broke off pursuit because of Roman increasing speed and more traffic in the area, the chief said. Police notified nearby departments about the chase and gave them the vehicle's information.

New York State Police found the SUV on the Tappan Zee Bridge where it fled from troopers into Westchester County where police again broke off pursuit, Batelli said.

West Hartford Police found the vehicle at Roman's home; Roman was not there, but police learned that he would be at the Hartford County Courthouse Monday for a court appearance, Batelli said.

Authorities tried to take Roman into custody at the courthouse, but he violently resisted arrest and the courthouse had to temporarily evacuated while he was arrested, the chief said.

Roman was taken to a hospital and will be transferred to the Hartford County Jail pending extradition back to New Jersey, Batelli said.

Roman faces charges of eluding a police officer creating a substantial risk of death or injury, along with 12 motor vehicle summonses.

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