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Brandon Clemons, 25, of Newark has a job waiting for him at Stop & Shop if loved ones can bail him out, defense attorney Michael Robbins told Superior Court Judge John Conte.
The lawyer pointed to family members attending yesterday’s bail hearing — including Clemons’ mother, who Robbins said has worked at the supermarket more than 20 years.
Brandon Clemons (STORY / PHOTOS: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter)
“My client can’t afford $250,000 bail,” he told the judge.
Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Ryan Magee didn’t object, noting that Clemons already posted $50,000 in Hudson County for charges stemming from the chase.
He’s charged with aggravated assault in Bergen County.
“The top range of the bail guideline for that crime is $100,000,” the prosecutor said.
Despite a prior felony conviction, Conte said: “It sounds like he comes from a good family.”
Clemons was the driver on July 8 when either he or 23-year-old Tahiry Baskerville, also of Newark, pulled a gun on an undercover officer, igniting the chase.
CVP PHOTO following the crash
The high-speed, 20-minute pursuit went from Newark through Secaucus, North Bergen, Ridgefield, Cliffside Park and Fairview — involving New Jersey State Police and several local departments — along Routes 78 and 3, Tonnelle Avenue (Rts 1&9) and Palisade Avenue.
The car went through Fairview to Cliffside Park, then headed back south around and through North Hudson Park in North Bergen before the chase finally ended near the intersection of 8th and Walker streets in Fairview.
“One of the police cars cornered the car and hit it on 8th Street,” a witness told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “Then they grabbed the two guys.”
Two New Jersey State Police troopers were treated at Hackensack University Medical Center for minor injuries after their vehicles were rammed during the chase.
A Hudson County Sheriff’s vehicle was also struck near North Hudson Park.
STORY / PHOTOS: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter
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