Police this afternoon released information regard the man who fled during a traffic stop in Howell, and prompted a large search in Lakewood.
On February 20, 43-year-old John C. McKenna of Toms River was arrested and charged by Howell Police with 2nd degree eluding police (2C:29-2(b)) and 34th degree hindering apprehension (2C:29-3b(2)) after he fled a motor vehicle stop earlier in the day.
Patrolman Scott Brooks #185 was on patrol at approximately 1245pm when he conducted a motor vehicle stop on a silver 2008 Dodge Avenger operated by McKenna, for driving with an expired registration and inoperable brake light in the area of Route 9 South/Estelle Ln.
McKenna pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and fled from the scene as Ptl. Brooks approached the vehicle to speak with him. Ptl. Brooks pursued the vehicle as McKenna drove approximately 70mph in the shoulder of Route 9. McKenna turned west onto County Line Rd. in Lakewood where he exited the vehicle and fled on foot near Forest Ave. approximately one mile from the original stop.
A large scale search was conducted with the assistance of Lakewood Police and Georgian Court University Security due to the proximity of the campus to the suspect’s last known location. Citizens eventually witnessed the suspect enter a vehicle near 8th St. Officers from Howell and Lakewood stopped the vehicle and found McKenna in the back seat at which time he was arrested. The driver, 43-year-old Dina Gagen (McKenna’s girlfriend) of Brick, was also arrested. McKenna was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant from Nutley.
Gagen was charged with 4th degree obstructing administration of law (2C:291a) and 4th degree hindering apprehension. Gagen was released on a criminal summons pending court. McKenna was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institute and was also issued several motor vehicle citations including driving while suspended and reckless driving.
Guess McKenna learnt not to mess with Patrolman Scott Brooks. Patrolman Brooks is a great, fair and understanding officer. From the best of the best of Howell PD, a role model to many of the new rookie officers.