A Lakewood man was arrested Friday night after allegedly fleeing from police during a motor vehicle stop, with a second suspect later located using department drone technology.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, the incident occurred on May 1, 2026, at approximately 10:55 PM, when an officer attempted to stop a vehicle on Cedarbridge Avenue after observing multiple motor vehicle violations.

Police said the vehicle initially slowed but then fled, prompting a brief pursuit that was quickly terminated due to safety concerns. A short distance later, the vehicle came to a stop and two occupants exited, fleeing into a nearby wooded area.

Officers pursued on foot and apprehended the driver, identified as 41-year-old Evan Cruz of Lakewood, following a short chase. During the encounter, the officer observed signs of alcohol impairment, and Cruz was taken into custody without further incident.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed multiple open containers of alcohol.

Authorities said a department drone was then deployed, allowing officers to quickly locate the second individual, identified as 33-year-old Juan Carlos Ramirez-Hernandez of Lakewood, in the wooded area. He was taken into custody without incident.

Cruz was charged with second-degree eluding, obstruction, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, refusal to submit to chemical testing, and multiple motor vehicle violations. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings.

Ramirez-Hernandez was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest by flight and was later released pending a future court appearance.

Police officials noted that the incident underscores both the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement and the effectiveness of drone technology in assisting officers in rapidly locating suspects.