Union man arrested after Newark officer injured during traffic stop
Newark, NJ – A man wanted for injuring a Newark Police sergeant during a traffic stop last week was arrested Monday after briefly fleeing from officers, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.
The incident began on December 3 around 3:30 p.m., when a Newark Police sergeant stopped a gray 2013 Mercedes-Benz C25 in the 200 block of South Street. Police say the driver, 25-year-old Jacque L. Cook of Union, became agitated and refused orders to exit the vehicle. As officers attempted to remove him, Cook allegedly turned the steering wheel toward the sergeant and struck him before speeding eastbound on South Street.
The sergeant was taken to University Hospital with swelling and bruising to his knee.
A warrant was issued for Cook on charges including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, possession of a weapon (automobile), and leaving the scene of an accident.
On December 8, officers located Cook as a passenger in a vehicle driven by Jessica Washington, 26, of Irvington, in the 600 block of South 10th Street. After initially complying with commands to exit, Cook fled on foot but was apprehended minutes later near Shanley Avenue and Avon Avenue. He faces an additional charge of resisting arrest.
Washington was also arrested and charged with obstruction and hindering apprehension after investigators said she previously denied knowing Cook’s whereabouts.
Authorities emphasized that all charges are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Key Points
- Jacque Cook, 25, allegedly struck a Newark Police sergeant with his vehicle during a December 3 traffic stop
- Cook was arrested December 8 after fleeing officers on foot during a second encounter
- A second person, Jessica Washington, was charged with obstruction and hindering apprehension