Howell Driver Charged After Taking Off, Dragging Police Officer

BRICK, NJ — A Howell Township woman is facing multiple charges after she sped off and dragged a police officer during a drug investigation on New Year's Eve, Brick police said Saturday.

The Brick Township detective, who was not named, was dragged more than 10 feet and suffered deep bruises to his back, along with bumps and scrapes, Brick Sgt. Jim Kelly said. The detective was treated at Ocean Medical Center and released but has not returned to work.

Jill Farrelly, 38, of Howell, has been charged with possession of heroin and paraphernalia, eluding resulting in bodily injury to the officer, aggravated assault to an officer, tampering with evidence, obstructing the administration of law, assault by auto and multiple motor vehicle violations, Kelly said.

Kelly said the incident happened about 12:20 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The Street Crimes Unit of the Brick Township Police Department saw two men, later identified as Edwardo Lopez, 57, of Berkeley, and Ryan Chapman, 39, of Howell, conduct a suspected drug transaction in the Wawa parking lot at 116 Brick Blvd., then get back in their cars. Detectives followed one, a black 2018 Honda Accord, out of the parking lot, Kelly said.

As they approached the second, a blue 2008 Honda Civic, they saw Chapman about to inject drugs into his arm with a syringe, Kelly said. As the detective identified himself to Chapman, the driver, Farrelly sped away. As she did, the sideview mirror on the passenger’s side caught the detective’s clothing and dragged him for more than 10 feet before he was flung off, Kelly said.

The detective was able to call out a vehicle description over the radio, and Patrolman Rob Scelfo quickly found the Civic and arrested Farrelly and Chapman. The car was impounded, Kelly said.

Meanwhile other Detectives had stopped Lopez’s car and found numerous drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle. Lopez and two passengers, Robert Brennan Jr., 47, of Whiting, and Alisha Yuhas, 28, of Toms River, were arrested, Kelly said.

Kelly said all five were taken to the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings. The others were charged as follows:

Chapman was charged with possession of heroin and paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit eluding resulting in bodily injury to the officer, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault to an officer, tampering with evidence, obstructing the administration of law, and conspiracy to commit assault by auto.

Brennan was charged with possession of heroin, crack, hypodermic needles and paraphernalia.

Lopez was charged with possession of heroin and paraphernalia, and motor vehicle violations.

Yuhas was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Chief James Riccio commended the dedicated officers of the Street Crimes Unit as well as the members of the patrol division and detective bureau who were able to quickly make the apprehension without further incident.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone.