April 18, 2023 When an East Brunswick police officer reached into a getaway SUV allegedly involved in a shoplifting incident, the driver accelerated, causing the door to close and trapping the officer inside.
By Anthony G. Attrino Source nj.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Four people face shoplifting and other charges in Middlesex County after their alleged getaway vehicle crash during an escape attempt with a police officer inside, authorities said Tuesday.
Police were called about 3:45 p.m. Sunday to Ulta Beauty on Route 18 in East Brunswick on a report of a shoplifting in progress, according to police.
Responding officers observed the suspects’ SUV traveling south on the highway, discarding security tags as they drove along the highway, police said in a statement.
The SUV was later found by police on Main Street near Old Bridge Turnpike. As officers arrived, one suspect fled but was caught after a brief foot chase, police said.
As a patrolman reached into the SUV to remove the keys, the driver accelerated, causing the passenger door to close and trapping the officer in the vehicle, according to East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco.
The SUV struck a brick wall at the corner of Main Street and Old Bridge Turnpike before striking a traffic signal and knocking the device over, LoSacco said in a statement. The remaining three suspects were arrested at the scene.
Inside the SUV, police found $7,500 worth of stolen merchandise along with a 9mm handgun, LoSacco said, noting that the SUV displayed a temporary registration tag that belonged to another vehicle.
Ryan R. Hill, 21, of The Bronx, New York, was charged with robbery, shoplifting, two counts of kidnapping and eluding.
Frederick A. Barnes, 31, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with shoplifting, conspiracy, false government documents, and a weapons offense.
A 40-year-old Newark man was charged with shoplifting, resisting arrest, and hindering for allegedly destroying evidence. A 35-year-old East Orange man was charged with shoplifting.
LoSacco said the four suspects were taken to the Middlesex County Jail. “The incident remains under investigation, which may result in additional charges,” LoSacco said.