A fleeing Jersey City man suspected of breaking the sideview mirror of someone’s car was charged with trying to drive a moped into a Bayonne police officer yesterday, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
William Perez, 31, of Jersey City, was charged with aggravated assault on police, eluding, and criminal mischief, according to Police Capt. Eric Amato.
Perez was taken into custody at approximately 10:35 a.m. from the area of Grant Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive, Amato said in a statement.
At about 9:43 a.m., an officer responded to the area of 19th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard on a report of male on a moped fleeing after breaking the sideview mirror of a victim’s vehicle during a dispute with the victim.
The responding officer broadcast the description of the actor and moped to all units. Within a few minutes, officers on patrol were able to locate the moped and operator, later identified as Perez, in the area of West 24th Street and JFK Boulevard.
As the officers attempted to stop the moped, Perez disregarded them and initiated a pursuit as he proceeded to commit numerous motor vehicle violations. The pursuit continued at low speeds northbound on JFK Boulevard then onto Avenue B.
As Perez approached the intersection of 45th Street and Avenue B, a uniformed officer on a traffic detail stepped into the intersection and ordered Perez to stop.
Perez ignored the command and proceeded to reduce his speed, swerve side to side, accelerate as he neared the officer, and drive directly at the officer.
The officer was able to leap out of the way and narrowly avoided being struck by the moped. Perez then continued north on Avenue B and ultimately utilized JFK Boulevard to enter Jersey City.
At this point, officers terminated the pursuit and advised the Jersey City Police Department of the incident and the description of the moped and clothing worn by Perez.
Jersey City PD was able to locate Perez in the area of Grant Avenue and MLK Drive after he stored the moped in the alley of an area residence.
Bayonne police officers responded to the area and positively identified Perez as the moped driver. He was ultimately placed into custody and charged accordingly, Amato noted.
