Wayne Man Drives On Paterson Sidewalk During Police Chase: Sheriff

A Wayne man attempted to elude authorities and drove on the sidewalk after he allegedly purchased drugs in Paterson Monday, Sheriff Richard Berdnik said.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday, members of the Passaic County Bureau of Narcotics were conducting surveillance near Broadway and Auburn Street in Paterson, Berdnik said.

Authorities saw Ralph Polito of Wayne purchase narcotics and drive away in a Honda Accord; detectives followed him and stopped Polito at Memorial Drive and Ward Street, Berdnik said; as detectives approached the car, Polito sped away and detectives pursued him.

Polito drove on the sidewalk of Federal Plaza with pedestrians nearby and detectives terminated the pursuit, Berdnik said. Polito kept driving on the sidewalk and hit two mailboxes and a pay phone and metal pipes.

The vehicle became disabled and Polito exited the vehicle and Polito fled on foot, Berdnik said. After a brief struggle with authorities, Polito was arrested.

Polito, 45, had four glassine envelopes of heroin and one baggie of crack-cocaine on him; Berdnik said. Polito was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, eluding, and resisting arrest. He was transported to the Paterson Cell Block after processing.

(Ralph Polito, 45/Courtesy of Passaic County Sheriff’s Office)