Linden police rescue man who drove from traffic stop and into Rahway River

LINDEN, New Jersey (WABC) -- Linden police rescued a 23-year-old driver and his passenger Sunday after he drove away from a traffic stop and into the Rahway River.

Police stopped a 2014 Kia after it ran a red light at N. Wood and St. George Avenues. Officers said the driver, Allen S. Johnson, initially refused to hand over his credentials and appeared very nervous. When the officer asked Johnson to step from the vehicle, he allegedly put the car into gear and swerved to the left.

Police pursued Johnson as he drove into Cranford and through some woods before driving into the Rahway River. Linden officer Matthew Wisnowski then entered the river and pulled Johnson, who was unresponsive, out from car, which was partially-submerged in about 5 feet of water. Police also retrieved the vehicle's passenger, Gary S. Lindie, 21, of Irvington. Both men were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway.

Johnson was later transferred to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at New Brunswick for additional treatment. Lindie was released into police custody.

Johnson was charged with one count of aggravated assault while eluding, eluding police and two counts of aggravated assault with a weapon. Officer Wisnowski reported a hand injury when the Kia struck him during the traffic stop.

Johnson was also served with several motor vehicle summonses, and his bail was set at $130,000.

Lindie was charged with hindering apprehension for giving a false name to a law enforcement officer, and his bail was set at $1,000. He also had contempt warrants out of the Union County Sherriff's Office, Union Township and Atlantic City.