Newark chase ends in accident that leaves 2 police officers seriously injured

NEWARK (WABC) -- A police chase sparked by a robbery investigation in Newark ended in a crash that sent two police officers to the hospital early Tuesday.

Authorities say that just prior to 12:30 a.m., detectives on patrol in the area of 18th Avenue and South 13th Street spotted a burgundy Grand Prix driving erratically. This vehicle matched the description of a vehicle wanted in connection to a robbery that took place the day before in the area of South Orange Avenue and South 10th Street.

In that incident, police were dispatched to the 300 block of South 11th Street around 6 p.m., where they met with a 19-year-old man who told them he was approached by three men who robbed him of personal belongings before fleeing in a burgundy Grand Prix.

The officers initiated a motor vehicle stop, which resulted in a vehicle pursuit when the suspect refused to pull over. That pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle struck a marked police cruiser occupied by two Newark police officers who were responding to a call for backup.

Both were transported to University Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition. One of the officers was immediately taken into surgery for a fractured neck, while the second sustained injuries to his back and neck.

Two suspects were arrested at the scene.

"I'd like to thank everyone who assisted in the capture of these two suspects," police director Eugene Venable said. "This was a job well done. It was a collaborative effort involving Newark Police Officers as well as outside police agencies and citizens. I wish the officers who were injured a quick recovery."

Authorities say that police recovered several face masks from within the vehicle, as well as heroin. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Kenneth Cook, of Newark, is charged with eluding, possession of a weapon (vehicle), possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, aggravated assault on police officer, possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.

The passenger, 26-year-old Edward Cook, also of Newark, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, distribution of heroin on school property and distribution of heroin.