Suspects thwarted
Quick-acting Mountainside cop stops carjackers
Officer Michael Pasquale was on patrol duty March 31, 2014 when
dispatch broadcast a carjacking had just occurred in Westfield on
the Mountainside border.
Employing keen observation skills once the call came, Officer
Pasquale noticed a vehicle matching the carjacking’s description
pulling behind a local place of business. When Pasquale
approached the vehicle and the suspect fled on foot through a small
opening in a fence, Pasquale pursued the suspect.
Knowing he wouldn’t fit through the fence gap, Pasquale lowered
his shoulder and ran through the fence to continue his pursuit. He
followed the suspect to a gas station, where an accomplice waited
in a second vehicle. The suspect climbed into the waiting car.
Pasquale approached and as he ordered both men out of the
vehicle, the driver accelerated toward him, trapping
Pasquale between the vehicle and fuel pumps.
Fearing for his life, Pasquale drew his weapon
2015
and fired at the oncoming vehicle. The shots
caused the driver to swerve and avoid
Valor
Pasquale.
AWARDS
The suspects attempted to drive away, but
were apprehended by other Mountainside law
enforcement officers.
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■
DECEMBER 2015
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
OFFICER MICHAEL PASQUALE
MOUNTAINSIDE LOCAL