By: Richard L. Smith
A Union man wanted for striking a Newark Police Sergeant with his vehicle during a traffic stop was taken into custody this week, officials said.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. reported that 25-year-old Jacque L. Cook was arrested on December 8, ending a five-day search that began after a confrontation on South Street left an officer injured.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on December 3, when a Newark Police Sergeant stopped a 2013 Mercedes-Benz in the 200 block of South Street.
Police said Cook became combative, refused commands to exit the vehicle, and turned the steering wheel toward the Sergeant as officers tried to remove him, striking the officer before speeding off.
As he fled, Cook allegedly drove through a red light and a stop sign, placing pedestrians and other motorists at risk.
The injured Sergeant was taken to University Hospital with swelling and bruising to his knee and is recovering.
A warrant was later issued charging Cook with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, possession of a weapon (vehicle), and leaving the scene of an accident.
Detectives located Cook on December 8 inside a vehicle in the 600 block of South 10th Street. Police said he briefly complied when ordered out but then ran, leading officers on a short foot chase before he was apprehended near Shanley Avenue.
The driver of the vehicle, 26-year-old Jessica Washington of Irvington, was also arrested. 
Authorities said she faces charges of obstruction and hindering apprehension after previously denying knowledge of Cook’s location during the investigation.