Newark Police officials issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Justin Archer, 28, of Newark who is wanted in connection with an aggravated assault against police officers in an incident that occurred on Saturday, August 3.
According do police, just after 10:45 a.m., officers of the 5th precinct patrolling the area of Van Vechten and Hanford streets located a white 2017 Ford van that had been stolen out of Elizabeth.
Officials say, officers approached the vehicle and observed a white male, seemingly unconscious, in the driver’s seat.
After the officers shouted commands for the suspect to unlock and exit the van, he put the vehicle into reverse and struck the officers’ police car according to police.
The driver then accelerated forward towards one of the officers and drove along the sidewalk, putting several pedestrians in danger.
Police say the driver continued driving onto Van Vechten Street, going the wrong way on a one-way street. He then turned right onto Frelinghuysen Avenue, speeding, driving erratically and nearly striking several vehicles.
Police pursued the driver onto Route 22 West in Springfield, where they ended the pursuit with the driver eluding police.
Detectives investigating this incident identified the driver as Justin Archer and have obtained a warrant for his arrest on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, eluding police in a motor vehicle at the risk of serious injury or death and receiving stolen property.
While police are actively searching for Archer, they seek the public’s help in quickly locating him so that he can be removed from the streets.
Archer is described as 5’11” tall and 200 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes according to police.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of Justin Archer to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.