N. Caldwell Police Officer Hurt In Chase, 5 Arrested: Report

A North Caldwell police officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries after he attempted to stop the driver of a stolen car early Wednesday morning, according to published reports.

A North Caldwell police officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries after he was dragged while trying to stop a stolen car Wednesday, officials said.
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Paul Milo

04/04/2019 9:20 a.m.

Sgt. John Belotta was patrolling the area of Mountain Avenue and Knowlwood Drive shortly before 5 a.m. when he saw two vehicles that had been reported stolen in Morris Plains and Maplewood. Belotta and officers from neighboring departments were in the area investigating reports of suspicious people running through backyards. Belotta was dragged as he attempted to stop one of the vehicles, a black Jeep, when it sped off as Belotta was clutching the window. Officers from Caldwell, West Caldwell, Verona, Cedar Grove, Roseland and Livingston had by then responded to the area. A total of five people -- from Newark, Maplewood and Irvington -- were arrested. The Jeep and the other stolen vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, were found.

The five people arrested were not immediately identified.

The incident was still under investigation. North Caldwell police are asking anyone with information to call the department at 973-226-0800.

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