Suspect Assaults, Spits On Police In Camden County
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) – Police say an out of control suspect assaulted police officers attempting to arrest him early Monday morning.
Around 1:34 a.m., officers observed a suspicious vehicle exiting the parking lot of a closed building.
The officers tried to stop the 2004 silver Ford mini-van, but the van fled from police.
After a short pursuit, the driver turned into a no outlet area of an apartment complex and abandoned the vehicle on Hamilton Avenue in Blackwood, then ran into a wooded area.
Officers caught the driver, who began to resist arrest and fight with the officers, despite being sprayed with pepper spray.
Once the driver was in restraining devices, he continued to ignore officers' commands and spit at police.
The suspect, identified as Jason M. Porten, a 35-year-old from Clementon, was found to have numerous active warrants in excess of $25,000 from various jurisdictions.
Porten was charged with eluding, five counts of aggravated assault on police, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice. His bail was set at $50,000 full cash.
Two of the officers were treated at a local hospital before being released.
The Gloucester Township Police Department also says it is continuing its investigation due to "recovered items believed to be potentially connected to criminal activity by the accused."
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 856-228-4500 or the anonymous tip line at 856-842-5560.
