State trooper from Bergen charged with kicking driver in high-speed 3-county chase that ended in Fairview crash

The state Attorney General’s Office confirmed simple assault (disorderly person) charges against Aris Varvar, 32, of Paramus, a six-year NJSP veteran who once worked as a dispatcher and special police officer in Cliffside Park.

State Police Supt. Col. Rick Fuentes said supervisors called for an internal investigation that led to officials transferring Varvar, taking his duty weapon and assigning him to a desk. He was suspended without pay after a state Division of Criminal Justice investigation led to the charges.

“This is a serious violation of the public trust placed in every man and woman who receives a badge, and such conduct will not be tolerated,” Fuentes said. “The actions taken by State Police supervisors show that our internal review system works.”

Defense attorney Paul Faugno has said his client has “an unblemished record” and intends to plead not guilty at a scheduled April 7 court appearance.

The alleged victim, 25-year-old Brandon Clemons of Newark (above), has remained free on $100,000 bail — reduced from the original $250,000 — after being released from the Bergen County Jail early last September, two months after the July 8 incident.

Clemons, who has a prior felony conviction, also also has $50,000 bail posted in Hudson County for related charges.

Clemons was the driver when either he or 24-year-old Tahiry Baskerville, also of Newark, pulled a gun on an undercover officer, igniting the chase.

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 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.

FILE PHOTO: CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter Mary K. Miraglia

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