Police Find Vehicle That Hit Cop Cars During Traffic Stop in Howell
On May 6, 2023, in Howell Township, NJ, two police officers conducting a motor vehicle stop were in a fortunate accident where the two patrol vehicles were hit by a passing motorist. Luckily, neither of the officers were hit, and the suspect vehicle fled West into Jackson Twp. According to Howell Township Police, the suspect vehicle, possibly a Hyundai Tucson, will have damage to the passenger side and will be missing the passenger side mirror. The police force has the passenger side mirror and will conduct a follow-up investigation. The police also reported that video recorded during the incident on car cameras and body cameras, as well as video from State DOT cameras at Route 9 and Aldrich Rd, will be used in the investigation. Furthermore, anyone on Aldrich Rd in the area of the crash with a “Ring” cam may have recorded the crash as well.
Howell Township Police Officers Ptl Natase and Ptl Galano used impeccable tactics and positioning of their vehicles while keeping their awareness high during the incident, preventing a potentially far worse outcome. The Howell Police non-emergency number, 732 938-4111, is available if anyone has information related to the suspect vehicle.
New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2 states that the operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking, or alternating red or blue light, or any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, should proceed with caution and either make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions, or, if a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
A violation of this section would lead to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500. These laws are in place to protect the lives of police officers and emergency responders.
The article also includes several photos related to similar incidents, such as a Robbinsville Police Officer being struck by a car on Route 130 and an alert for motorists approaching stationary vehicles with flashing amber lights. In summary, the Howell Township Police Force is diligently working to find the suspect vehicle involved in the incident and advises motorists to follow safety laws when approaching stationary emergency vehicles.
