HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ – Two Howell Township police officers narrowly escaped injury early this morning when their patrol vehicles were struck by a passing motorist while they conducted a motor vehicle stop.
The incident occurred at approximately 3 am in the area of Aldrich Road West and Aldrich Drive.
While the officers spoke with the driver of the stopped vehicle, their patrol cars were hit by the passing vehicle, which then fled the scene heading west into Jackson Township.
Authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect vehicle, which they believe is a Hyundai Tucson with damage to the passenger side and a missing passenger side mirror.
Officials are reviewing footage from car cameras, body cameras, and State DOT cameras at the intersection of Route 9 and Aldrich Road, as well as Ring cameras in the area.
Both patrol vehicles were disabled at the scene and unable to pursue the fleeing vehicle. Howell Township police are urging anyone with information on the suspect vehicle to contact them at their non-emergency number, 732-938-4111. The officers involved in the incident, Ptl Natase and Ptl Galano, have been praised for their quick thinking and positioning of their vehicles, which prevented a more serious outcome.