LAKEWOOD, NJ – A man accused of leading police on a 100 mph chase through Lakewood before crashing into a patrol car and injuring an officer is facing up to five years in state prison when sentenced next month, officials confirmed.
The driver, identified as Edwin Ramirez Carranza, was arrested in April after the pursuit, which ended in a violent collision on Cedarbridge Avenue.
Authorities said Carranza ran a red light during the chase and struck a police vehicle in the intersection, leaving one officer seriously injured.
Carranza has been held without bail in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest on April 20 and has an active U.S. Immigration (ICE) detainer placed on him.
Police pursuit and crash details
Investigators said the chase began when officers attempted to pull Carranza over for a traffic violation. Instead, he accelerated through several intersections, weaving through traffic and reaching speeds near 100 miles per hour before entering Cedarbridge Avenue.
Dashcam video captured Carranza running a red light just seconds before he slammed into a marked patrol car stationed at the crossing. The crash caused extensive damage to both vehicles and left the officer inside with serious injuries that required hospitalization.
Felony assault charge and ICE detainer
Carranza was charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, a second-degree crime under state law (2C:12-1B(1)). Prosecutors said the charge stems from the officer’s injuries and Carranza’s reckless disregard for public safety during the pursuit.
Records show Carranza is being held without bail under case number W20250003051514. Federal immigration authorities have also placed a detainer on him, confirming he is not a legal U.S. resident.
Sentencing to take place next month
The officer injured in the crash has since returned to active duty after months of medical leave and physical rehabilitation.
Carranza faces a potential five-year prison sentence when he appears for sentencing next month in Ocean County Superior Court.
