JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that Kevin Valverde-Cruz, 21, of Jackson, has pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault and Eluding Law Enforcement charges in connection with an incident that occurred on October 18, 2022, in Lakewood Township.
During the sentencing, which is scheduled for September 8, 2023, the State will be seeking a five-year term in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) for both the Aggravated Assault and Eluding charges. The sentences will run concurrently.
The incident took place on October 18, 2022, when detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department observed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high speed. They attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, but the operator of the vehicle failed to comply and a pursuit ensued. Due to concerns for public safety, the pursuit was terminated on the Garden State Parkway. Later that evening, the same vehicle was found on the shoulder of the westbound lane of Central Avenue in Lakewood. Detectives approached the vehicle and made contact with the operator, who did not comply with their commands. The operator put the vehicle in reverse, striking the detectives’ vehicle, and then abruptly turned back into the roadway, narrowly avoiding hitting the detectives, before fleeing the scene.
Following an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, it was determined that Valverde-Cruz was the operator of the Jeep Grand Cherokee on October 18, 2022.
On January 10, 2023, the Ocean County Regional SWAT executed a search warrant at Valverde-Cruz’s residence in Jackson Township. He was taken into custody without incident and processed at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters. The white Jeep Grand Cherokee was also found at the residence. Valverde-Cruz was subsequently released as a result of New Jersey Bail Reform.