HANOVER TOWNSHIP — A Butler man was arrested after allegedly fleeing an attempted traffic stop, according to police.
Jower Tavarez, 34, of Butler, was arrested on Thursday, October 1, following an incident that occurred on Wednesday, September 30.
According to police, an officer observed a driver holding a cellphone while operating a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop by activating the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, but the driver allegedly entered Interstate 287 northbound and fled.
Police said the officer did not pursue the vehicle, in accordance with department pursuit policies, because the vehicle’s registration information had already been obtained and the driver could be identified.
An investigation determined that the registered owner was not driving the vehicle and that the operator was a mechanic who had been repairing it, police said. Authorities identified Tavarez as the driver but were initially unable to locate him because he did not answer his phone.
On October 1, officers traveled to Butler, where Tavarez was taken into custody and transported to Hanover Township Police Headquarters for processing. He was released pending a court appearance. Tavarez was charged with:
- Eluding Police (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2b)
- Obstruction of the Administration of Law (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1)
Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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