Police chase on Route 80 ends in Rockaway crash

ROCKAWAY – A high-speed pursuit through two counties ended after the driver of a van attempted to exit Route 80 and crashed his vehicle, the New Jersey State Police said.

Troopers from the Hope station first spotted a white Dodge van driving erratically on Route 80 East at mile marker 17 in Allamuchy at 9:23 p.m. Wednesday, Sgt. First Class Greg Williams said.

After witnessing the vehicle make several unsafe lane changes, nearly striking other vehicles and almost hitting the guardrail, police activated their lights and sirens, signaling for the driver — later identified as Jesse Portal, 45, of Paterson — to pull over, Williams said.

Portal refused to stop and the police began a pursuit on Route 80, Williams said.

The police report did not state how fast Portal was traveling on the highway, just that it was in excess of the posted speed limit of 65 mph and that he was endangering other motorists, Williams said.

As Portal made his way into Morris County, troopers from Netcong station assisted Hope troopers in the chase, Williams said.

About 20 miles after the chase began, Portal attempted to exit Route 80 at mike marker 37 in Rockaway, but because of excessive speed he ran over a grass median and crashed into the guardrail on the other side of the ramp before the vehicle came to a stop, Williams said.

Troopers then removed Portal from the vehicle and arrested him, Williams said.

Emergency medical services personnel responded to check Portal, who suffered no injuries, Williams said.

Portal was charged with eluding police and making unsafe lane changes.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com