Police Capture Wanted Armed Fugitive After Chase

An armed fugitive wanted on weapons and narcotics charges was captured following a traffic stop by South Brunswick Police last weekend.

Donald Harris, 25, of Somerset, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of prescription drugs, resisting arrest, driving while impaired, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer and numerous other motor vehicle offenses after he fled from police near the Whispering Woods development.

On Saturday at 10:56 p.m., Officer George Vit stopped a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer that was allegedly driving erratically on Route 1 north near the Target shopping center. Vit, a seven-year veteran officer and drug recognition expert, attempted to stop the vehicle after he saw it swerve and nearly hit the concrete divider, according to police.

The vehicle continued to drive at a slow pace for about one quarter-mile before coming to a stop just past Whispering Woods Boulevard. Harris identified himself to Vit as Jerrell Williams and appeared confused, police said.

Harris could not a provide a driver’s license, registration or insurance card and had a "white powdery substance" on his nostrils, according to police. After Officer John Niper arrived as backup, Harris was repeatedly unable to follow commands after he exited the vehicle, and asked the officers at one point if he he could go back inside the vehicle, police said.

After failing a field sobriety test, Harris was told he was being placed under arrest for driving while impaired, but he broke free from the officers as they began to cuff him, according to police. Harris then led the officers on a foot chase into the Whispering Woods Development.

Niper was able to catch up to Harris behind the homes on Mahogany Court, where the officer tackled him. Police said Harris continued to struggle with the officers as they used compliance holds to gain control of him before taking him into custody. 

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed Harris had a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic gun next to his driver’s seat and he was found to have a folding knife on his waist, according to police. Officers also recovered cash and narcotics allegedly belonging to Harris.

In addition, Harris was found to be a wanted fugitive in Somerset County on previous charges for possession of an assault weapon and narcotics distribution.

Harris was lodged in the Middlesex County Correction Center in lieu of $15,000 bail.

"This is just another example of the dangers police officers face every day," said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. "This suspect was wanted, impaired, and armed at the time of the motor vehicle stop. Officer Vit and Niper did a tremendous job of taking a dangerous suspect off the street."