TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A man identifying himself as a “sovereign citizen” was arrested after allegedly fleeing from Toms River Police, leading officers on a pursuit that reached speeds of 90 mph before refusing to exit his vehicle during a felony stop.
The incident began on July 26, when Ocean County College security contacted police to report a man they believed was intoxicated while driving through the college parking lot.
As patrol officers arrived at Ocean County College, the suspect drove out of the parking lot onto College Drive, where Patrolman Tyler Pinto initiated a motor vehicle stop.
Driver allegedly fled onto Garden State Parkway
According to police, the driver initially pulled over but then suddenly accelerated away, turning off the vehicle’s headlights in an apparent attempt to avoid officers.
The suspect continued onto Hooper Avenue before entering the Garden State Parkway, where officers said the vehicle accelerated to approximately 90 mph.
In accordance with New Jersey Attorney General pursuit guidelines, officers terminated the pursuit in the interest of public safety.
A short time later, patrol officers located the suspect vehicle traveling on Route 166. Rather than immediately re-engage, officers followed the vehicle without activating emergency lights until it pulled into Castle Park.
Tactical team removes non-compliant driver
Officers then conducted a felony stop, but police said the driver refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle.
According to the department, the driver identified himself as a “sovereign citizen” and remained non-compliant throughout the encounter.
Patrolman Tyler Pinto, Patrolman Mlotkiewicz, Patrolman Mastandrea, Patrolman Litterer, and Patrolman Morsch formed a tactical contact team and approached the vehicle using a ballistic shield.
Police said the suspect was ultimately removed from the vehicle by force after resisting arrest.
The driver was charged with eluding, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Authorities did not release the suspect’s identity or indicate whether additional charges, including impaired driving offenses, are pending.
“We’d like to commend our officers on a job well done,” the department said. “We will continue to recognize our officers for the work they do every day.”
Key Points
- Ocean County College security reported a suspected intoxicated driver on July 26.
- The suspect allegedly fled a traffic stop, reaching 90 mph on the Garden State Parkway before the pursuit was terminated.
- Officers later arrested the driver at Castle Park after he refused to exit his vehicle and identified himself as a sovereign citizen.
FAQ
How did the incident begin?
Ocean County College security reported a driver they suspected was intoxicated in the campus parking lot.
Why was the pursuit terminated?
Police ended the pursuit after the suspect reached approximately 90 mph on the Garden State Parkway, citing Attorney General pursuit guidelines and public safety concerns.
Where was the suspect arrested?
Officers conducted a felony stop after the vehicle pulled into Castle Park in Toms River.
What charges were filed?
The driver was charged with eluding, resisting arrest, and obstruction.
Did the suspect cooperate?
Police said the driver refused commands to exit the vehicle, identified himself as a sovereign citizen, and resisted arrest.
Source: Toms River Police PBA
