VILLAS – Lower Township Police Department responded to a report of a hit and run motor vehicle crash Oct. 8 at approximately 11:30 p.m. that had just occurred on East Hudson Avenue in Villas.
Upon arrival, Patrolman James McNulty and Patrolman Anthony Micciche located a New Jersey license plate in the roadway that was believed to belong to the vehicle that left the scene. The license plate was registered to a black 1997 GMC Yukon owned by Bruce Adams, Jr., 37, who resides in the 300 block Desoto Avenue in Villas.
Officers immediately searched the area and located Adams and his vehicle at his residence. The vehicle had damage consistent with the hit and run crash on East Hudson Avenue.
During an interview with police about the crash, Adams, while looking for his driving credentials, started his vehicle and quickly fled the area nearly striking a police vehicle. Patrolman Micciche attempted to stop Adams by reaching into his open driver’s side window, yet was unsuccessful.
Later that evening, at approximately 2:18 a.m., Lower Township Police received a suspicious persons report in the 300 block East Tampa Avenue in Villas. Special Officer Michael Hesson, Patrolman Kaitlin Black, Special Officer Zachary DeSimone and Patrolman McNulty responded and searched the area. Adams was located and fled from the officers on foot. A short foot pursuit occurred and after a brief struggle, Adams was taken into custody.
Adams was transported from the scene to Lower Township Police headquarters for processing. He was evaluated by Lower Township Rescue and declined treatment for minor injuries. He was charged with eluding, obstruction, resisting arrest, aggravated assault on a police officer and numerous motor vehicle summons.
Judge Thomas Hillegass was contacted and authorized a warrant for Adams and set bail at $75,000, no 10 percent. Adams was transported to the Cape May County Correctional Center.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.
