An off-duty Lakewood police officer and civilians are being credited for taking a drunk and dangerous driver off the road this afternoon.
Police Officer Erik Menck was driving in his personal vehicle on the Northbound Garden State Parkway around 3:30 PM this afternoon, when he noticed multiple vehicles driving with their hazard lights on and surrounding a vehicle.
It didn’t take long for the officer to realize what was happening, as he witnessed the driver (seen in the video in the silver Dodge Durango) swerving back and forth, putting the lives of many drivers at risk.
Officer Menck – who had already radioed in the incident – quickly joined the others in trying to guide the vehicle to a stop on the side of the road, something which took approximately 20 minutes. The ordeal lasted from approximately mile marker 81 to about mile marker 98, with the driver taking out some mile marker posts and hitting some guard rails.
When the driver finally pulled over, the civilians, along with Officer Menck – who now identified himself as a police officer – immediately ran over to the driver and shut his engine.
The driver, identified as an approximately 60-year-old male – wearing a Budweiser shirt – reportedly admitted to “having some drinks.”
Moments later, New Jersey State Police and an ambulance arrived at the scene, and took the driver into custody.
After speaking with the civilians, Officer Menck learned that at least two of the others were on the phone with State Police, and others were trying to get through to police. With no Troopers in sight, the civilians took action on their own to protect other drivers on the road.
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Thanks Erik. I think you deserve a raise.
Officer Menck is a great guy!! I had a personal story, where Officer Menck went above and beyond his call of duty just to look after the lakewood residents. Now he just did what he does best- helping other people. Thank you for keeping us safe. Thank you for all you do each day.
Judie your absolutely right he is one great officer on and off duty thanks for your outstanding decadtion to protect and serve not only our community but whenever you may be
Thank you to all those involved, including Officer Menck.
One great officer and several wonderful civilians! An unbelievable display of selflessness and professional looking coordination.
Keep up the good wirk
This story is so great it should go national.
Great story, great police work.
Erik Menck…his name should be Erik Mench….see what I did there…huh….huh