HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — A Budd Lake man was arrested Wednesday morning after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and weaving through a parking lot to evade police, authorities said.
At approximately 6:17 a.m. on September 8, a Hackettstown police officer observed a vehicle speeding on Route 517 near Miller Street. When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver turned into the Mars Wrigley parking lot at 700 High Street and refused to stop, despite the activation of emergency lights, a siren, and headlights.
The suspect continued to circle the parking lot, maneuvering around parked vehicles before eventually coming to a stop. Police identified the driver as 37-year-old Juan Mendez of Budd Lake and took him into custody.
Mendez was charged with eluding, reckless driving, and speeding. He was released pending a court appearance.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for Mendez’s actions as the case proceeds through the legal system.