Indian-Origin Man's Bizarre Police Encounter Ends With Arrest After He Called Cops First
In a truly unusual sequence of events, a 38-year-old Indian-origin man, Vishal Bhatt, found himself under arrest in New Jersey after initiating contact with the police himself. The incident, which unfolded across several days, began when Bhatt placed a call to the East Rutherford Police Department.
A Call That Raised Suspicion
According to official reports from the East Rutherford Police, Bhatt called the department on January 28 to lodge a complaint about a traffic ticket he had received. However, the nature of his comments during this call immediately raised red flags for the officer who answered. The officer, concerned for Bhatt's welfare, decided to dispatch colleagues to Bhatt's registered address for a standard welfare check.
The Fleeing and the Failed Chase
When the officers arrived at the location, they discovered Bhatt seated inside his vehicle. Upon spotting the police, Bhatt started his car and immediately fled the scene, prompting a brief pursuit. During this short chase, authorities reported that Bhatt ran through a stop sign, executed an improper pass on another vehicle, and nearly collided with an oncoming car, thereby endangering the safety of all road users in the vicinity.
Due to the clear risk to public safety, the officers made the decision to terminate the active pursuit. Captain Jeff Yannacone, in an official statement, detailed the dangerous driving. "Once Mr. Bhatt saw the police officers, he sped off and ran through a stop sign. He then improperly passed a vehicle and almost hit an oncoming vehicle," Yannacone said. "Officers attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop but Vishal accelerated at a high rate of speed illegally passing several vehicles putting the motoring public at risk."
Bragging Calls and Subsequent Arrest
In a further twist, Bhatt himself reportedly contacted the police department multiple times after the incident. During these calls, he allegedly began "bragging" about his successful evasion of the officers, as confirmed by Captain Yannacone. This series of boastful communications ultimately aided police in positively identifying him as the driver involved in the earlier chase.
The saga concluded on January 30, when law enforcement located and arrested Vishal Bhatt in the neighboring city of Clifton. He now faces a serious slate of charges.
Multiple Charges Filed
Bhatt has been formally charged with the felony offense of eluding police. Additionally, he faces a litany of motor vehicle violations, including:
- Unsafe operation of a motor vehicle
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Failure to stop for an emergency vehicle
- Failure to possess a valid driver's license
- Failure to possess valid insurance
- Speeding across a sidewalk
Following his arrest, Bhatt was transported and processed at the Bergen County Jail. This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal consequences that can follow reckless decisions on the road, especially when compounded by actions that directly challenge law enforcement.
