Motorcyclist Leads Cops On Multi-Town Chase In Essex County

A 21-year-old motorcyclist from Paterson led police on a high-speed chase that passed through several towns on July 8.

The chase began in Cedar Grove, when police attempted to stop Renato M. Mendoza of Paterson for an alleged speeding violation.

According to the Cedar Grove Police Department, Mendoza, who was traveling south on Fairview Avenue, initially pulled his 2006 Honda to side of the road before accelerating southbound and refusing to stop.

Mendoza continued south on Fairview into Verona and then east on Bloomfield Avenue before the officer discontinued his attempts to stop the motorcycle due to “Mendoza’s reckless operation.”

Shortly afterwards, the West Orange Police Department reported they had apprehended Mendoza on Cecil Lane Place in their jurisdiction following a second eluding incident.

Police subsequently determined the motorcycle bore a fictitious license plate and was reported stolen in New York City in 2014.

Mendoza faces charges for refusing to stop (eluding) in addition to multiple vehicle violations in Cedar Grove. He faces additional charges in West Orange related to the July 8 pursuit.