15 Motorcyclists Arrested After Turnpike Chase

State Police say an attempted traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike turned into a lengthy pursuit that ended with 15 motorcyclists facing various charges.

Sgt. Brian Polite tells The Star-Ledger that the incident started around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, when a trooper was attempting to turn into the barracks off the turnpike in Newark. The trooper was blocked by a line of motorcyclists, and noticed one rider didn't have a visible license plate.

The trooper attempted to pull over the motorcyclist, but the rider refused to stop. About 15 motorcyclists then started encircling the bike, blocking the trooper's access.

A southbound chase ensued before all the motorcyclists finally stopped in Cranbury in Middlesex County.

The charges against the motorcyclists range from eluding and hindering arrest to weapons possession.

There were no reports of any crashes or injuries. Motorcycles make up around 2,500 crashes a year in New Jersey, according to state statistics.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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