High-Speed Chase Ends With Authorities Firing Shots at Alleged Police Car Thief

A high-speed chase of a stolen police car along interstates 78 and 287 during rush hour Wednesday night ended with authorities firing shots at the stolen cruiser to halt the suspect's final attempt of fleeing, police said.

The car ultimately landed on the median off Interstate 287 North near mile-marker 30 in Bernards Township as the suspect allegedly tried one last time to flee by driving toward authorities, police said.

David Rosa, 25, of Perth Amboy, was detained on $240,000 bail as of Wednesday night. He was charged with aggravated assault, eluding police, escape, resisting arrest, auto theft and hindering apprehension, according to a statement released by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office and the Clinton Township Police Department.

The incident began when Clinton Township police conducted a motor vehicle stop of a car driven by Rosa at Petticoat Lane near Interstate 78 eastbound in the Hunterdon County community Wednesday at about 4:30 p.m., according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III and Clinton Township Police Director Robert A. Manney.

Clinton Township Sgt.  Thomas DeRosa stopped a 2001 Acura for an alleged speeding violation, the prosecutor's office said.

During the roadside inquiry, the driver, later identified as Rosa, allegedly provided officers with false information regarding his identity, the prosecutor's office said.

During the vehicle stop, Clinton Township officers said they were able to confirm that Rosa was wanted on outstanding warrants issued from Middlesex County, the prosecutor's office said.

An arrest warrant for Rosa included charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and several drug offenses, according to Hunterdon County authorities.

During the arrest, police said Rosa managed to escape and drive off with the Clinton Township patrol car and a high-speed pursuit ensued, the prosecutor's office said. 

Clinton Township Patrol Officer John Tiger pursued the stolen police car along Interstate 78 East and onto Interstate 287 North, the prosecutor's office said.

As the incident unfolded, New Jersey State troopers and surrounding police agencies were alerted, the prosecutor's office said. Manney said Thursday morning he is not sure when state police cars joined the pursuit.

The chase proceeded onto I-287, reaching speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, according to the prosecutor's office.

The pursuit concluded in Bernards Township when Rosa drove the patrol car off I-287 into the median, slowing the vehicle, according to the prosecutor's office.

As Rosa allegedly attempted to move the vehicle again, Tiger discharged his service weapon to disable the vehicle, the prosecutor's office said. Authorities said Tiger was able to overcome resistance by Rosa and place the man in custody.

Manney said Thursday that Rosa allegedly was heading the car in the direction of the Clinton Township officer and a state trooper as he attempted to flee again.

During the arrest, state troopers and back-up officers converged onto the scene and assisted, according to Hunterdon County authorities.

Tiger and Rosa both were transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital and treated for minor injuries before being released, the prosecutor's office said. 

The incident remains under investigation, according to Hunterdon authorities. Investigating agencies include the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey State Police and Clinton Township Police. Assisting agencies included police departments from the Town of Clinton and Somerset County.

Rosa's bail was set by Clinton Township Judge Eric Perkins. At the time of Wednesday night's announcement, he remained in custody, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office.