LAKEWOOD — A late-night traffic stop in Lakewood ended with two arrests after a driver fled from police and both occupants attempted to escape into a wooded area, authorities said. The immigration status of one of the suspects has been called into question.
The incident unfolded May 1 at approximately 10:55 p.m. when a Lakewood police officer attempted to stop a vehicle on Cedarbridge Avenue for multiple traffic violations. According to police, the driver initially slowed but then accelerated, leading to a brief pursuit that was quickly terminated due to safety concerns.
A short distance later, the vehicle came to a stop, and both occupants ran into nearby woods. Officers pursued them on foot and quickly apprehended the driver, identified as 41-year-old Ivan Cruz of Lakewood.
Police said Cruz showed signs of alcohol impairment at the time of his arrest. He was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed several open containers of alcohol.
Authorities deployed a department drone to assist in locating the second individual. Within minutes, officers found the passenger, identified as 33-year-old Juan Carlos Ramirez-Hernandez of Lakewood, in the wooded area. He was also taken into custody without incident.
Cruz faces multiple charges, including second-degree eluding, obstruction, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, refusal to submit to chemical testing, and several motor vehicle violations. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings.
Ramirez-Hernandez was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest by flight. He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer said the case highlights both the dangers of fleeing law enforcement and the benefits of modern policing tools.
“This incident highlights the dangers associated with fleeing from law enforcement,” Meyer said. “Our drone program continues to improve officer safety and efficiency, allowing officers to locate suspects in challenging environments quickly and safely.”
According to the Ocean County Jail inmate database, U.S. immigration authorities lodged a detainer against Cruz following his arrest. While his specific immigration status is not fully known, such a detainer indicates federal officials may seek custody for potential immigration enforcement proceedings.
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