By: Richard L. Smith
An Orange man was arrested Monday evening after authorities said he rammed a New Jersey State Police vehicle and led detectives on a pursuit that ended with multiple crashes in Newark.
According to information released by New Jersey State Police, detectives assigned to the Crime Suppression North Unit conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black Ford Fusion at approximately 5:43 p.m. Monday, August 17, on West Market Street.
Police identified the driver as 26-year-old Wolchney Gardere of Orange.
According to the preliminary investigation, detectives had their emergency lights activated and were approaching the Ford on foot while wearing vests clearly marked “Police” when Gardere allegedly put the vehicle in reverse and intentionally rammed the front of an unmarked Dodge Durango State Police vehicle.
Authorities said Gardere then sped away on West Market Street, prompting a brief pursuit.
During the pursuit, police said Gardere lost control of the Ford, struck several civilian vehicles and traveled off the roadway and up an embankment.
The vehicle then came back down the embankment and struck an unmarked Dodge Charger State Police vehicle.
Gardere allegedly exited the damaged Ford and attempted to flee on foot before detectives apprehended him following a brief chase.
State Police said Gardere faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a trooper, eluding, resisting arrest, obstruction, hindering apprehension, assault by auto, criminal mischief and tampering with evidence.
He also faces drug-related charges after authorities alleged he possessed heroin with the intent to distribute, including within 1,000 feet of a school.
Gardere was lodged in the Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The case remains under investigation, and the charges are accusations.