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Plainfield Man Arrested Following Police Chase from Roselle Park to Westfield

Plainfield Roselle Park Westfield

A police pursuit ended in the arrest of a man wanted for aggravated assault on a police officer in Westfield Saturday.

According to authorities, at approximately 1:12 a.m., Officer Ryan Hokanson attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop of a 2007 grey Mazda on E. Westfield Avenue at Chestnut Street for equipment violations.

Officials say the Mazda took off at a high rate of speed and at that point a pursuit was initiated.

The operator of the Mazda - later identified Jajuan Q. Franklin, 21, of Plainfield, crossed over into oncoming traffic but ultimately made a u-turn in a dead-end street and began to drive head on towards Officer Hokanson. According to authorities, Franklin side swiped the front passenger side of the patrol vehicle and fled the area before other units could assist.

A broadcast was sent out to other Union County police agencies. Police say at approximately 1:35 a.m., Westfield Police Department advised that the same Mazda Roselle Park Police were attempting to stop was involved in a motor vehicle crash near the train station.

Westfield Police were able to subsequently detain Franklin a short distance from the crash site.

Police arrested Franklin then charged him with Eluding, Aggravated Assault on a police officer, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and was issued approximately fifteen motor vehicle summonses.

According to authorities, Franklin also had warrants for his arrest out of New Brunswick, North Plainfield, and Union Township Municipal Courts bail totaling $1,750.

Police said Franklin was lodged into the Union County Jail.

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