A police chase in Hillside came to a halt after the suspected vehicle crashed into a civilian car in Elizabeth.
Police say on Mar. 23rd, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers observed a black 2010 Honda Civic traveling at a high rate of speed on Leslie Street.
Moments later, police say another Hillside police unit observed the same vehicle traveling eastbound on Hillside Avenue.
Authorities said when officers attempted to stop the car, the driver disregarded the officers’ signal and a police pursuit through various streets in Hillside.
According to police ar the intersection of North Broad Street and North Avenue, Lonnie T. Baker, 43, of Newark (the driver of Honda), struck
a 2005 GMC Yukon, causing it to overturn onto its side.
Police said the passenger, later identified as Fuquan Baker, 31, of Elizabeth, fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended by two Hillside officers.
The driver, Lonnie, was removed from the vehicle and arrested. Two rear seat passengers, 19 and 23 year old women, were detained for further investigation, but later released without charge.
According to officials, a police officer sustained a minor hand injury while apprehending Fuquan.
EMS transported him to Union Overlook Hospital, where he was treated and released.
The driver of the Yukon reported pain to his back, head, and leg. Police said he was treated by EMS but refused transport to the hospital.
Inside the vehicle officers found a silver handgun loaded with hollow point bullets and the hammer cocked back, ready to fire.
Also seized was a plastic baggy containing wax paper folds of suspected heroin.
Authorities charged Baker with violations of certain persons not to have weapons, possession of hollow point bullets, resisting arrest, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of a weapon.
While, police charged Lonnie T. Baker with eluding and numerous motor vehicle summonses.
Chief Ricciardi commended his officers, “Our officers continue to send a message to anyone who wants to break the law or victimize others that Hillside is to be avoided. I’m very proud of my department.”