Wild I-287 Chase: Mahwah Man Arrested After Ramming Car During Police Stop
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, a routine traffic stop on Interstate 287 turned into a dangerous confrontation on Friday, January 2, after a Mahwah man allegedly rammed another vehicle and led officers on a high-speed pursuit. The suspect, identified as Anthony M. Jean, 25, is now facing a long list of charges after a tense standoff with police.
Standoff on the Shoulder: The Incident Unfolds
The drama began around 12:30 p.m. when Mahwah Police Officer Gino Perrelli pulled over a vehicle on I-287 Northbound. While the officer was conducting the stop, a car driven by Jean unexpectedly pulled onto the shoulder directly in front of them.
According to Mahwah Police Captain Michael Blondin, as Officer Perrelli approached the second vehicle, the situation turned violent:
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The Attack: Jean allegedly shifted his car into reverse and rammed the stopped vehicle three times.
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The Escape: Ignoring orders to stop, Jean sped off onto the highway, sparking a police pursuit.
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The Crash: The chase came to a sudden halt near Exit 66 when Jean lost control on an overpass ramp, crossing the median and slamming into a guardrail.
Tense Standoff and Arrest
Even with his car disabled, the 25-year-old suspect refused to surrender. Police report that Jean ignored multiple commands to show his hands and repeatedly reached into the center console, making what officers described as “threatening movements.”
To ensure safety, a team of officers utilized a ballistic shield to approach the vehicle. After a brief struggle where Jean continued to resist, he was eventually subdued and taken into custody.
Suspicious Activity Revealed
Following the arrest, the Franklin Lakes Police Department informed Mahwah authorities that they had already been searching for Jean. He was reportedly a person of interest regarding “suspicious activity” involving a former employer.
Anthony M. Jean was processed at Mahwah headquarters and has been transported to the Bergen County Jail.
Safety Reminder: Navigating Highway Stoppages
This incident highlights the dangers police officers face during roadside stops. New Jersey’s Move Over Law requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles. In this case, the proactive response of the Mahwah Police Department prevented further injury to the public during a volatile situation.
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