Unresponsive Driver Sent to Underwood After Fleeing from Police

Officers were in pursuit Thursday afternoon when a reportedly suspicious person fled from an officer at the West Deptford Department of Motor Vehicles.

At approximately 2:38 p.m. Oct 4, an officer stationed at the motor vehicles service building reported that James Howell of Woodbury Heights was acting strangely. 

When the officer attempted to approach the man, Howell ran out of the building and drove off in a white 1991 Honda Accord, heading north on Crown Point Road.

During this time, another officer observed the car make a suspicious turn at the corner of Grove and N. Crown Point roads. The officer pursued the man, who then headed east on Jessup Road, but had to pull back after the suspect drove into heavy traffic. 

Howell passed numerous vehicles while driving erratically in heavy traffic before pulling into the parking lot of Greenfields Swim Club. Police then pulled in behind the driver to apprehend him.  

During his apprehension, Howell was unresponsive and  a call was placed for ambulance assistance. Howell was then transported to Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury.

“The investigation into the cause of his condition is still ongoing to determine if his condition was a medical episode or some other contributing circumstance,” Police Chief Craig Mangano said.

Howell was served with a criminal complaint of eluding police and numerous motor vehicle tickets. Howell didn't strike any other cars during the pursuit.