YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: An unlicensed New Milford motorist led police on a high-speed pre-dawn chase, driving his Mercedes SUV through several parking lots, before crashing it into an apartment complex, running and then ducking behind a trash bin, authorities said today.
Officers who found 30-year-old Quincy J. Hilliard hiding there charged him with various offenses, including resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident and speeding, Police Chief Frank Papapietro said this afternoon.
Hilliad, of Faller Drive, also was charged with driving with a suspended license and careless driving the chief said.
Officer Michael Lafrano spotted the SUV speeding north on Boulevard near Reichelt Road around 3 a.m., Papapietro said.
Lafrano “activated his lights and attempted to stop the vehicle,” but it kept going, turning onto Faller Drive, the chief said.
Sgt. Brian Clancy joined the chase, as Hilliard kept going, driving through several lots before crashing the SUV into a building at the Brookchester Apartments off Faller Drive, he said.
Hilliard hopped out and ran west, with the officers right behind him, Papapietro said.
After collaring him, police alerted borough firefighters to check the structural integrity of the building, which sustained “substantial damage” to four units.
“Brookchester maintenance was notified and responded to assist residents of the apartments with damage issues,” the chief said. “None of the residents of the apartments were injured or had to be relocated.”
Hilliard posted $7,500 bail and was released pending a Sept. 18 Municipal Court hearing.
MUGSHOT: Courtesy NEW MILFORD PD