A West New York man crashed into two cars with a stolen vehicle near the Holland Tunnel, scuffling with cops, injuring one, after they physically removed him from his vehicle, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Julio Pineda, 37, of West New York, was charged of aggravated assault on a police officer, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, eluding arrest with injury, resisting arrest, reckless driving and driving with suspended license, according to Port Authority police spokesman Joe Pentangelo.
At about 7:30 p.m. yesterday, a Port Authority police officer was on foot near the Holland Tunnel entrance in Jersey City when he saw a 2007 grey Nissan sedan driven by Pineda reverse and strike a BMW positioned behind him, waiting to enter the tunnel, officials said.
The suspect’s car then moved forward and struck the car in front of him, a Kia sedan. The officer ordered the suspect to stop, but he refused, authorities said.
Pineda kept his car in drive and applied the accelerator, but he could not move forward as his auto was pinned by the Kia, police said.
Another Port Authority police officer assisted in the matter and they were able to open the suspects driver’s side door, remove him from the vehicle and put his car in park, officials said.
Pineda struggled with the officers, with one sustaining an injury to his right shoulder. He was treated at Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health briefly before being released, authorities said.
Pineda admitted to having smoke marijuana prior to the collisions, prompting his arrest. Furthermore, his license had been suspended multiple times and the car he was driving was reported stolen from West New York, police said.
None of the other drivers were injured during the incident, officials said.
Whats he smiling about?