Traffic Stop Turns into Police Chase in Monmouth County
A routine traffic stop for Ocean Township patrolmen quickly escalates into a police chase through several Monmouth County towns.
Once Ocean Township officers Clune and Barnek spoke to the Defendant following the routine traffic stop, they quickly discovered that she had an active warrant for her arrest. When officers confronted the Defendant and requested that she exit the vehicle, she refused to follow their commands and decided to flee the scene north on Route 35. Following a brief police chase the officers decided to terminate the pursuit because it was to dangerous. However, detectives were able to quickly track down the Defendant to a motel in Middletown where she was allegedly staying. Following another brief struggle, the Defendant was formally placed under arrest. She was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer in the third degree, eluding in the second degree, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the third degree, unlawful possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the third degree and hindering apprehension. She was taken to the Monmouth County Jail which is located in Freehold pending a detention hearing. During the detention hearing the Monmouth County prosecutors office will be seeking to convince the Judge that the Defendant must remain in the Monmouth County jail, without bail, pending trial.
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon & Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose Charges
Although unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose sound like the same offense they are in fact very different charges. An unlawful possession of a weapon charge criminalizes the actual possession of the weapon. In the case above, the weapon in question is the vehicle itself. Conversely, the possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose charge criminalizes the way in which the weapon is used. In the case above, the use which criminalizes the “weapon” is probably based on the Defendant almost striking the officers with her vehicle as she flees the scene. It is important to note, that it is plausible to only be charged with unlawful possession of a weapon but if you have been charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose you must also be charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. For more information on these crimes please checkout our weapons practice area by clicking the link.
Ocean Twp Eluding Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with eluding in Monmouth County, it is crucial that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your options. This is a very serious criminal offense, one that if not handled properly could land a Defendant behind bars for up to a decade. If you would like to come into our Middletown office and speak to one of our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys about your options then please contact us directly at 732.858.6959 or leave us an email.
For more information on this incident, please checkout app.com article labeled Ocean Twp. cops bust Middletown woman at motel after car chase.
