HANOVER — A Franklinville man, Joseph D. Stickel, 37, faces serious charges after a high-speed incident in Hanover Township on November 21, at 12:21 a.m. According to court documents, Stickel allegedly fled from law enforcement after being signaled to stop, after striking a Morris Plains Police vehicle.
The event unfolded when officers attempted to stop Stickel’s vehicle after he struck a Morris Plains Police vehicle on the Route 287 South ramp. Despite the activation of overhead emergency lights and sirens, Stickel allegedly refused to comply, accelerating away from the pursuing officers.
The investigation determined that the Morris Plains Police vehicle was parked on the side of the road with its emergency lights activated while on a motor vehicle stop when it was hit by Stickel who was driving a 2022 Ford F-550.
Once Stickel re-enters the lane of travel it is seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed and continuing on Route 287 South.
Law enforcement eventually apprehended Stickel, and he now faces a second-degree charge under NJSA 2C:29-2B for eluding law enforcement while creating a risk of death or injury. He was taken into custody following the issuance of a warrant by judicial authorities. Stickel was also charged with NJSA 39:4-50 Driving While Intoxicated; NJSA 39:4-1298 Leaving the scene of an accident and NJSA 39:4-88 Unsafe lane change.
Stickel is set to appear at Morris County Superior Court, where the details of his case will be reviewed. If convicted, he could face significant legal consequences, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged offense.
There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed by Eagle Towing and was impounded.
A second-degree crime in New Jersey can result in the following penalties:
- A prison sentence of 5–10 years
- A maximum fine of $150,000, or up to $300,000 for certain drug charges
- A felony conviction on your criminal record
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
