ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, New Jersey – A Connecticut man is hospitalized after police say he carjacked a Mercedes and stole a police cruiser in northern New Jersey.
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“Here she was trying to be a good Samaritan and help somebody out that she thought was choking and he wanted her auto”, said Englewood Cliffs Police Chief Michael Cioffi told the Daily News Monday.
Kong was lying in the middle of the road, and the woman tried to steer around him, the chief said, when he jumped up and grabbed her door handle.
At some point, the suspect, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed, abandoned the stolen vehicle and snatched a squad vehicle from an Englewood Cliffs police officer who had exited the cruiser to confront the suspect.
The chase went through several towns – among them, Bergenfield, Dumont, New Milford and River Edge – with various police departments joining in along the way.
Police say at least 170 people have been charged with drunken driving on Long Island during the Fourth of July weekend.
It’s unclear if Kong has a lawyer. The suspect rammed other patrol cars during the pursuit and attempted to run down a police officer, officials said. The cruiser that was being chased didn’t have its sirens or lights on, Weiss said.
The suspect took off again continuing to hit police cars.
Police on the scene on Route 4 in Paramus.
The extent of the officers’ injuries is not known. The woman whose Mercedes was stolen also went to the hospital.
Initial charges include assault on police, carjacking, resisting arrest and obstruction.
Kong, who is from Connecticut, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, carjacking and numerous other charges.
Kong is being treated for injuries at Bergen Pine Regional Medical Center.
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Reached by phone, a man who identified himself as Kong’s father said he learned of his son’s alleged escapade on the TV news.
