The Jackson Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a motorcyclist who disregarded an officer’s order to stop and then fled at a high rate of speed, nearly striking the officer in the process.
According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 27, at approximately 11:34 a.m. on Frank Applegate Road. Officer Colangelo was conducting a traffic detail in the area following complaints of speeding.
Police say Colangelo, who was wearing a high-visibility police vest and helmet and operating a marked police motorcycle, heard the sound of a loud motorcycle believed to be traveling at a high rate of speed along Jackson Mills Road. Shortly afterward, he observed a motorcycle heading toward his enforcement post on Frank Applegate Road.
Using a hand-held radar unit, Colangelo confirmed the motorcycle was traveling at 52 mph in a 40 mph zone. He stepped into the roadway, signaling the rider to stop.
According to the report, the operator initially slowed but then downshifted, shook his head “no,” and accelerated. The suspect allegedly turned the motorcycle toward the officer, revved the engine, and continued into the opposite lane of travel at high speed, nearly striking Colangelo before fleeing the scene.
The rider is described as a white male wearing a blue helmet, sleeveless shirt, and carrying a black backpack. He reportedly has a tattoo on his right upper arm, with additional tattoos on the inner left arm and right arm between the shoulder and elbow.
The motorcycle is believed to be a 2018–2020 blue Yamaha MT-07, equipped with a loud exhaust and a small black or gray fairing.
Police have released video footage of the incident in both regular and slow motion to aid in the identification of the suspect.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Officer Colangelo at wcolangelo@jacksontwpnj.net or call the Jackson Police Department at 732-928-1111. Anonymous tips will be accepted.
