Naked Man Tased As His Mercedes Caught Fire In South Jersey: Cops

A 28-year-old naked man was tased Friday after hitting four cars on a New Jersey highway, refusing police orders and then watching his Mercedes Benz bust into flames, police said.

The tasing happened after Patrice Laporte Jr. of Upper Darby Pa. struck four vehicles with his 2010 Mercedes Benz on Route 42 southbound in Washington Township, Gloucester County. The incident happened around 10:33 a.m. on Friday.

Laporte, who was ultimately taken to Jefferson Hospital for treatment, eventually stopped in front of the Priscilla Town Center where he was confronted by police. His vehicle had front-end damage and flat tires.

When officers approached, Laporte refused to leave the vehicle for several minutes, despite several verbal commands, police said.

When he finally left the vehicle, Laporte was naked, and he began walking southbound on Route 42, police said.

Officers walked behind the man and continued to order him to stop and cooperate, but Laporte kept walking, police said. He was then tased.

After Laporte left the car, the Mercedes began to smoke and ultimately catch fire, police said.

The incident remains under investigation. If anyone has information please contact Officer Chris Tarasevich at (856) 589-6664.

Washington Township police photo