Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Owen Dandrea (19) of East Hanover, N.J. for eluding police on March 12, 2021. On that date, at approximately 11:51 PM, Officer Jayson Sickles was assisting other Fairfield police officers on a call at 450 Route 46 East when he observed five vehicles that appeared to be traveling together on Route 46 West at a high rate of speed.
At this point, the officer entered his patrol car and attempted to catch up to these vehicles in order to initiate a motor vehicle stop. It is alleged that two of these vehicles, a blue Ford Mustang and a black Ford Mustang, both took the Madison Road exit. The officer then pulled ahead of these vehicles and put on his emergency lights and blocked the roadway. He then exited his vehicle and signaled both Mustangs to stop and pull to the side of the roadway. Both Mustangs stopped with the black one in front of the blue one. The officer then began to walk towards them.
It is alleged that the blue Mustang then pulled out, made a u-turn, and began flee back towards Route 46 West at a high rate of speed. The officer was unable to obtain the vehicle’s license plate but he did observe it to be a temporary registration. He also was able to shine his flashlight into the window and observed the operator to be a younger white male. The officer then returned to his vehicle and attempted to catch the vehicle but it is alleged that the Mustang was traveling at a high rate of speed, so the officer terminated the pursuit.
Further investigation using information from a department automated license plate reader located in the area, indicated that the blue Mustang that was allegedly involved in this incident was registered Dandrea at a residence in East Hanover. Fairfield officers then went to this location where they were able to positively identify the vehicle and Dandrea as the driver. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.
In addition to being charged with eluding police, he received eight motor vehicle summonses. He was eventually released on his own recognizance pending a hearing in the Superior Court in Newark, N.J. on April 13, 2021.
(It should be noted that the charges against Dandrea are merely allegations and that he is presumed innocent until he either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law)
Authorized by: Chief Anthony Manna
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