MOUNTAINSIDE — A man faces a string of charges after he allegedly refused to stop for police on Route 22, then went through a red light and struck a car crossing the highway, injuring four people, authorities said.
Michael Mazzuca, 43, of the Colonia section of Woodbridge, was charged with four counts of second-degree aggravated assault for the crash that occurred about 8:50 p.m. Friday, borough police Chief Allan Attanasio said in a statement.
He said Officer Andrew Yasinski attempted to stop Mazzuca for making several unsafe lane changes and tailgating while traveling westbound on Route 22.
Mazzuca eluded the officer and continued west on Route 22, but at the intersection of Glenside Avenue in Scotch Plains, the driver failed to stop for a red light, the chief said.
He said Mazzuca went through the light, striking a vehicle that was crossing the highway.
Four occupants in the vehicle that was struck were transported to Overlook Mountainside, Fanwood and Clark rescue squads transported the victims.
Mazzuca was arrested at the scene and taken to University Hospital in Newark where he was also treated for non-life threatening injuries, the chief said.
Mountainside police detectives obtained a search warrant to get a blood from Mazzuca for analysis, authorities said.
They said Mazzuca also faces fourth-degree aggravated assault charges, along with one count each of second-degree eluding and third-degree possession of cocaine, and numerous motor vehicle violations.
Mazzuca was being held at the Union County jail pending a court hearing, police said.
Tom Haydon may be reached at thaydon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_HaydonSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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