Drone tracks fleeing suspect after drunk driver crashes and runs in Lakewood
Lakewood, NJ – A late-night traffic stop in Lakewood erupted into a foot chase through the woods after a driver allegedly fled police, abandoned his vehicle, and ran, forcing officers to deploy department drones to track down a second suspect hiding in the darkness.
The incident unfolded May 1 at approximately 10:55 p.m. when a Lakewood police officer attempted to stop a vehicle on Cedarbridge Avenue after observing multiple traffic violations, according to the Lakewood Police Department.
Police said the vehicle initially slowed before suddenly speeding away, triggering a brief pursuit. Officers quickly terminated the chase due to safety concerns, but the vehicle stopped a short distance later when both occupants jumped out and fled into a nearby wooded area.
Officers chased the suspects on foot and apprehended the driver, identified as 41-year-old Evan Cruz of Lakewood, after a short pursuit.
During the arrest, officers observed signs of alcohol impairment, authorities said.
A search of the vehicle uncovered multiple open containers of alcohol inside the car.
Police then launched the department’s drone unit to assist in locating the second suspect, identified as 33-year-old Juan Carlos Ramirez-Hernandez of Lakewood, who had fled deeper into the wooded area.
The drone quickly located Ramirez-Hernandez, who was taken into custody without incident.
Cruz was charged with second-degree eluding, obstruction, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, refusal to submit to chemical testing, and multiple motor vehicle violations.
He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings.
Ramirez-Hernandez was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest by flight before later being released pending a future court appearance.
Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said the incident demonstrated both the risks associated with fleeing police and the department’s growing use of drone technology during active investigations.
The charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Key Points
- Driver arrested after fleeing police and crashing near wooded area in Lakewood
- Police drone used to locate second suspect hiding in woods
- Driver charged with DUI, eluding, resisting arrest and other offenses