SHARE

New Milford Police Chase: Driver Waves Knife, Middle Finger Before Crashing

NEW MILFORD, N.J. -- A New Milford driver with a criminal history waved a butcher knife and his middle finger at pursuing police Friday before crashing his car in the parking lot of a Teaneck synagogue, authorities said.

Michael Lau

Michael Lau

Photo Credit: MUGSHOT: Courtesy NEW MILFORD PD

Officer Przemyslaw Boinski saw 55-year-old Michael Lau speeding, with a left rear light out, on Main Street just before 1 p.m., Police Chief Frank Ramaci told Daily Voice.

Lau then "failed to signal and blew a stop sign," turning onto Prospect Avenue, the chief said.

Boinski activiated his lights and siren, he said, but Lau kept going at about 40 miles an hour through side streets.

Lau -- whose criminal history includes a 2011 fight with police -- ended up going south on Boulevard, "waving and making obscene gestures," Ramaci said. "At this point, the officer called in a low-speed pursuit."

Participating were Lt. William Duby, Sgt. Daniel LaMorges and Officers Adam Conboy and Christopher Bores -- and, eventually, Teaneck police, he said.

Lau waved a butcher knife during the chase and made his way onto New Bridge Road before heading onto the Roemer Avenue extention, Ramaci said.

Moments later, he turned into the lot at Congregation Keter Torah, where the car hit a wall, the chief said.

Lau resisted and had to be subdued, Ramaci said.

The officers retrieved the knife and another one from the car, he said, adding that neither they nor Lau were injured.

Lau was being held at headquarters pending possible transfer to the Bergen County Jail.

He was charged with several crimes -- including resisting arrest and eluding -- and issued 22 motor vehicle summonses, the chief said.

Lau was arrested in 2011 after police said he began punching and kicking officers from New Milford and Oradell who were trying to arrest him on a warrant.

Two officers had to be treated at Holy Name Medical Center for injuries sustained during the scuffle.

to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE