TEANECK, NJ — A police officer was struck by a vehicle Sunday evening after the driver fled from a traffic stop in a municipal parking lot.
Teaneck Police Dispatch received an Automatic License Plate Reader alert at approximately 5:23 p.m. for a 2025 Honda Accord with Pennsylvania registration that was wanted by New York City police in connection with a vehicular assault on a law enforcement officer.
Officers Kyle Rosen and Alexander LaVacca spotted the Honda as it turned into a municipal lot on State Street.
The officers activated their emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle in the parking lot.
Rosen exited the patrol vehicle and began approaching the Honda, which was conducting a K-turn at the end of the lot.
The Honda accelerated toward Rosen, striking him and knocking him to the ground before fleeing the area.
Officer Gage DiStasio spotted the vehicle as it fled through the parking lot of the nearby T-State Plaza shopping center.
DiStasio pursued the vehicle south on Teaneck Road and then onto State Route 4 East.
The pursuit continued along Route 4 through Englewood and Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge.
The Honda side-swiped two vehicles as it entered the lower level of the bridge, causing minor damage.
DiStasio terminated the pursuit and Port Authority Police Department officers took over.
The Honda crashed on the New York side of the George Washington Bridge shortly thereafter.
Port Authority Police officers apprehended the driver, identified as Royer Soto, after a brief foot pursuit.
Soto was found in possession of several clear plastic baggies containing what appeared to be cocaine.
