A two-hour pursuit of an alleged drunk suspect spanning through multiple townships ended after the suspect struck Howell Police vehicles, TLS has learned.
The pursuit began shortly after 10:00 PM last night when Howell Police officers attempted to stop a driver in a U-Haul truck suspect of driving under the influence.
“Howell Township patrol units responded to Longhorn Steakhouse in reference to a disorderly person inside the establishment,” police said. “Restaurant staff described the male as erratic and confrontational. They were unsure if the male was under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.”
When patrol units arrived, the subject, 38-year-old Zachariah Hartman of Toms River, attempted to flee the scene, subsequently striking a police cruiser. Hartman then eluded police through the township which resulted in him striking two other Howell police cruisers, disabling one.
But the suspect refused to stop, and instead led police on a pursuit spanning through towns including Lakewood Township, Jackson Township, Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, Millstone Township, Plumstead Township and Colts Neck Township. In total, the pursuit lasted over two hours and ranged approximately 100 miles.
He was eventually apprehended on Brewers Bridge Road in Jackson Township and dragged out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
No injuries were sustained as a result of the pursuit.
Hartman was criminally charged with 2 counts of eluding, 2 counts of aggravated assault and 1 count of obstruction. He was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institute where he was lodged pending his detention hearing.
I hope they realize that he needs help. He’s been off meds, has issues and needs real help. Glad everyone is ok and it ended better than it could have.
Kudos to the officers who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect us.
This is exactly why New Jersey needs a Baker’s law… Zac was just in the hospital couple weeks ago and I let him out. Despite his family’s wishes… I put this on the hospital he was just there. This is why we need better mental health in New Jersey. I used to work for a service we will just call them peanut butter health pbh for short. Big Lakewood based facility but they only really care about is if you’re billable or not. That’s the thing about mental health in New Jersey if you’re not billable you they won’t help you if they can’t bill you they won’t help you…….. Bring back the baker’s law and spread more mental health awareness this could have been so easily avoided…
There is no help for the mentally Ill. Zac is such a sweet person. There is no help! This breaks my heart!
FedEx, UPS, USPS & DHL drivers should take note.
This is a whole other level of dedication to your delivery job.
Nope they will through him in medical dose him
Up on thorozine untill they release him that is what monmouthcounty does
He was under the influence of alcohol he could of killed another person
He does not drink or the charges would include Dwi.you don’t know who this is don’t assume.