On 05/25/13 at approximately 3:30 a.m., Officer Joseph Fastige observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on State Highway 70, near mile marker 41. As Officer Fastige attempted to close the distance to affect a motor vehicle stop, the vehicle accelerated from 85 mph to over 100 mph as it passed other vehicles and Officer Joseph Reilly, who was conducting a motor vehicle stop near mile marker 43. As Officer Fastige tried to get close enough to read the registration, the vehicle then went the wrong way on State Highway 70 entering the Eisenhower Circle. The vehicle then ran over the curb and across the grass median of the circle. The vehicle then stopped on the other side of the circle with four flat tires. At that time, the 47 year old driver, Robert Marcocci, exited the vehicle and ran from Officer Fastige. Mr. Marcocci led Officer Fastige and Officer Reily on a foot pursuit on Myrtle Street in Lakehurst. Mr. Marcocci was found hiding behind a shed and was placed under arrest.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Marcocci observed Officer Fastige pull behind his vehicle and he accelerated to avoid being issued a summons for driving with a suspended license. Mr. Marcocci also had an outstanding warrant and threw two small bags of cocaine prior to being apprehended. During the booking process, Mr. Marcocci was found to have an additional bag of cocaine in his possession. A crack pipe was also located at the scene and the vehicle was impounded. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit assisted in the search for additional narcotics. The Lakehurst Police Department also assisted with the investigation.
Mr. Marcocci’s last documented address was in Trenton, NJ, however he currently resides in Tent City in Lakewood Township. He was charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Cocaine, two counts of Possession of Paraphernalia, Suppression of Evidence, and numerous traffic offenses. He was transported to Ocean County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. This matter is pending court action.