In the early hours of April 17, 2025, a sharp-eyed patrol officer in Florham Park, New Jersey, disrupted what could have been a dangerous crime spree. Just after 3 a.m., Officer Nick Cotterell noticed a suspicious vehicle creeping off Riverside Drive and onto Roosevelt Boulevard. Moments after passing the patrol car, the vehicle suddenly accelerated—an attempt to flee that didn’t go unnoticed.

Officer Cotterell gave chase as the driver recklessly sped down Ridgedale Avenue at nearly 100 mph toward Columbia Turnpike. Despite the vehicle’s dangerously fast getaway, Officer Cotterell’s quick reaction and pursuit ensured vital information was gathered, even though the suspect temporarily escaped. Hours later, police confirmed that the vehicle’s license plate was stolen and didn’t belong to the car in question.

Thanks to Officer Cotterell’s identification, a 25-year-old man from East Orange was later arrested and charged with multiple crimes across several towns, including second-degree eluding. Authorities revealed the suspect was involved in a nearby residential burglary and car theft shortly after fleeing Florham Park. This incident is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of local officers working around the clock to protect their communities from harm.

Credit:
By Florham Park Police Department & Office of Emergency Management