WESTFIELD–A Granville man faces multiple charges after he led law enforcement on a car chase, police said.
Nicholaas C. Van Gelder, 22, was arraigned in Westfield District Court yesterday, after being arrested following a police chase on Tuesday night. He faces charges of operating under the influence of liquor, failing to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and a motor vehicle lights violation.
Police said that Van Gelder was caught on police radar traveling 72 MPH in a 40 MPH zone on Southwick Road shortly before 9 p.m. The officer who caught the offense on radar allegedly proceeded to turn on his emergency lights and followed Van Gelder, attempting to pull him over.
However, according to court records it was reported that Van Gelder did not pull over for police. Instead, he allegedly turned down Hundred Acres Road through an area of tobacco fields and turned off his lights, “in an attempt to evade” police, the report said.
The officer who initiated the chase wrote in the report that he lost the suspect’s vehicle, but other officers found the vehicle that they believed Van Gelder was operating a short distance away. They also reported that Van Gelder was walking away from the vehicle when they approached.
Once police detained Van Gelder, they reported that he allegedly smelled of alcohol and had glossy and bloodshot eyes, indicating possible alcohol intoxication. Police administered a breathalyzer test and the blood alcohol content read 0.15 percent according to the report, which is nearly two times the legal limit.
After arraignment at Westfield District Court yesterday, Van Gelder was released on personal recognizance, with his next court date scheduled for Nov. 3.
