LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Lakewood man faces multiple charges after fleeing from police during a traffic stop and running into a wooded area.
On May 1, 2026, at approximately 10:55 p.m., a Lakewood Police officer attempted to stop a vehicle on Cedarbridge Avenue after observing multiple motor vehicle violations.
The vehicle initially slowed before fleeing, prompting a brief pursuit that was quickly terminated for safety reasons.
The vehicle came to a stop a short distance away, at which point two occupants exited and fled into a nearby wooded area.
Officers pursued on foot and successfully apprehended the driver, identified as Evan Cruz, 41, of Lakewood, after a short chase.
During the encounter, the officer detected signs of alcohol impairment.
A search of the vehicle revealed multiple open containers of alcohol.
Using the department’s drone technology, officers located the second individual, identified as Juan Carlos Ramirez-Hernandez, 33, of Lakewood, in the wooded area.
He was taken into custody without incident.
Cruz was charged with 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 and was later released pending a future court appearance.
