The person injured in an early-morning rollover accident on Madison Avenue was in fact a suspect running from Lakewood police, Detective Lieutenant Greg Staffordsmith confirms to TLS.

At about 3:30 AM, Officer Kristie Buble observed what she believed was man in a vehicle engaging in drug activity in the area of 200 River Avenue.

“While attempting to investigate further, the vehicle sped up and began to drive in a reckless manner, at one point swerving at and nearly striking back up Officer Tymur Zavalnyuk as he was operating his marked police car,” said Staffordsmith

Officers attempted to stop the man but lost sight of the vehicle. It was relocated a short time later in the area of 4th Street and Monmouth Avenue and another attempted to stop it was initiated, but unsuccessful as the operator refused to comply.

“While the Officers continued their efforts Officer Bubble observed the vehicle heading East on 5th Street,” said Staffordsmith. “As the vehicle entered the intersection of 5th and Madison, it struck a taxi cab, hit a curb and flipped onto its roof. It then struck two other cars that were parked on the North side of 5th Street.”

“The Driver, Darrell Reid of Lakewood, was thought to be trapped in the vehicle but was quickly removed and stabilized by responding officers until EMS arrived.”

Reid was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of a possible spinal injury, Staffordsmith said.

Charges are pending.

[TLS-007]

KPICASA_GALLERY(6308326813267238289#)