Crime & Safety

Foot Chase Leads to Local Man's Arrest

Pompton Plains man fled traffic stop after believing he had outstanding warrants, police say.

A Pompton Plains man allegedly fled after a motor vehicle stop Thursday afternoon after he mistakenly believed police would find outstanding warrants when running a computer check on his license, according to Bernards Township police.

Michael Horan, 32, was charged with hindering apprehension. His wife, Sarah Horan, 32, was charged with obstruction of justice. The couple was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

The traffic stop at about 1:45 p.m. on Thursday—and the resulting pursuit—involved authorities from Bernards Township, state police, Long Hill Township and Warren Township, Bernards Lt. Michael Voorhees said.

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According to the township police report, Horan was pulled over after he exited Interstate 78 westbound and tried to get back on going eastbound. However, Horan pulled into a turnaround that is restricted to official use only, before he was stopped by police, according to the report.

Police said that while the officer was running a computer check on Horan's paperwork, the man "took off," according to Voorhees. "He thought he had warrants [against him], and he didn't," Voorhees said.

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As backup arrived and authorities pursued Horan into a scenic overlook area, the man's wife left and went to the Affinity Federal Credit Union off Martinsville Road, according to the police report.

Bernards Police Capt. Ed Byrnes later apprehended the woman when she exited a restroom, Voorhees said.

Bernards Lt. Michael Shimsky apprehended Michael Horan, the report said.


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