Wayne Cop Jumps Out Of The Way Of Reckless Man Who Hit Cop Car

WAYNE, NJ — A township police officer was nearly hit by a man fleeing from the Willowbrook Mall Tuesday.

Alterik Harris, 42, of Newark led Wayne and Fairfield police officers on a chase near the mall and onto Route 46 after Wayne police officers tried to stop him following a fight, said Detective Capt. Laurence Martin.

Three Wayne police officers responded to the mall about a report of a fight. Officer Pawel Jadczak put his police car behind a silver BMW Harris was inside, Martin said. The BMW's owner flagged the police down.

Harris refused to acknowledge Jadczak and put the car in reverse, which caused Jadczak to jump out of the way, and flee, Martin said.

Police pursued Harris in the parking lot. Harris drove through a stop sign and a red light onto Willowbrook Boulevard. He then tried to go on Fairfield Road, but veered left and went on Route 46 West instead, Martin said.

Fairfield police officers also followed and helped apprehend Harris on Route 46 East after he hit a Fairfield officer's car, the captain said.

The BMW's owner said she was driving with Harris at the mall when he became angry and started arguing with her, Martin said. The woman stopped the car and got out and Harris took the keys.

Harris was charged by the Wayne Police Department with criminal eluding, aggravated assault on police, unlawful taking of a vehicle and 18 motor vehicle summonses, Martin said. Fairfield Police also processed Harris on criminal charges.

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image via Shutterstock