May 7, 2023
HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Update: Howell Township Police reported that the suspect vehicle has been located that struck two police patrol vehicles early yesterday morning.
Yesterday morning May 6, 2023, just before 3:00 a.m., two Howell Police Officers were conducting a motor vehicle stop in the area of Aldrich Road West and Aldrich Drive. While the officers were speaking with the driver of the stopped vehicle, both of their patrol vehicles were struck by a passing motorist. LUCKILY, both officers avoided being struck. The suspect vehicle fled the scene of the crash and continued West into Jackson Twp. Both patrol vehicles were disabled at the scene and were not able to follow the vehicle that fled.
he suspect vehicle is possibly a HYUNDAI TUSCON The vehicle will have damage to the passenger side and will be missing the passenger side mirror (which we have and will be doing follow up investigation on). We are in the process of going through video recorded during the incident on car cameras and body cameras as well as video from State DOT cameras at Route 9 and Aldrich Rd. Anyone on Aldrich Rd in the area of the crash with a “Ring ” cam may have recorded the crash as well.
Ptl Natase and Ptl Galano used extremely sound tactics and positioning of their vehicles while keeping their awareness level high or this incident could have resulted in a far worse outcome.
If you have any information on the suspect vehicle please contact Howell Police non-emergency number at 732 938-4111
New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2
Procedure for motorist approaching certain stationary vehicle.
1. a. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle as defined in R.S.39:1-1 that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
b. The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary tow truck as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.396 (C.39:3-84.6) that is displaying a flashing amber light, a stationary highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle that is operated by the State, an authority or a county or municipality and displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights, or a stationary sanitation vehicle displaying a flashing amber warning light pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2011, c.3 (C.39:3-54.27) shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a law enforcement officer, proceed as follows:
(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle, or sanitation vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section would be impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
c. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
L. 2017, c.43, s.1.
