Cedar Grove Cop Almost Hit During Traffic Stop: Union City Woman Arrested

Cedar Grove, NJ – A Union City woman allegedly led a Cedar Grove police officer on a high speed chase through town last week, almost running into him in the process, authorities stated.

According to the Cedar Grove Police Department, the chase began around 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 29, when an officer pulled over Janisha Martinez, 24, of Union City, in her 2006 Nissan for an alleged traffic offense on Ridge Road.

As the officer was securing Martinez’s credentials, he allegedly noticed the odor of marijuana coming from inside the car and ordered her to exit the vehicle.

At that time, Martinez put the car into drive, cut the wheel sharply to the left and took off, police said.

The officer was forced to take evasive action to avoid being struck and immediately took up the chase, police stated.

Refusing to stop, Martinez traveled north on Ridge Road into Little Falls, according to police.

Due to the alleged speed and reckless driving by Martinez, the officer cut off the chase shortly afterwards, authorities stated.

Martinez was later identified as the operator through images obtained from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission computer, authorities stated.

Her vehicle was found at a relative’s home in Belleville on March 1.

On Tuesday, Martinez surrendered herself at police headquarters.

She was processed on the charges and released pending a Superior Court arraignment in Newark on March 16 after posting the required bail.