Chase Ends in Narcotics Bust, Matawan Police Say

A car chase through Matawan, Aberdeen and on the Garden State Parkway ended with borough police making their eighth narcotics-related arrest in ten days, according to Lt. Ben Smith.

On the evening of Aug. 22, Detective Joseph Lovallo and Detective Steven Sakowski were conducting a narcotics investigation when they stopped a car near the Marc Hampton apartments on Matawan Avenue, Smith said.

As the detectives approached the blue Nissan Versa, the driver accelerated, hopped the curb, drove onto the sidewalk and lawn of the apartment complex and nearly struck Detective Sakowski, Smith said.

The pursuit continued about five miles through Matawan, into Aberdeen and on to the Garden State Parkway before the Nissan again pulled over.

Police arrested the driver who was identified as James Hemenway, 34, of Old Bridge. He was charged with possession of a cocaine, possession with intent to distribute, resisting arrest, tampering with evidence, eluding and aggravated assault of a police officer.

Police confiscated $13,761 in cash, 3 cell phones and the Nissan, Smith said.

Superior Court Judge Jamie Perri set bail at $685,000 with no 10 percent cash option.

Over the last 10 days, Matawan detectives netted 8 narcotics-related arrests and have confiscated about 650 bags of heroin, 30 grams of cocaine, 30 grams of crack cocaine, 2 vehicles and over $24,000 in cash.

Police declined to name the other 7 suspects arrested citing an ongoing investigation. However, all are local residents who police believe played a large roll in the distribution of narcotics in Matawan, Smith said.

Patch will continue to follow this story.