Man Led Cops on 7-Hour Pursuit, Police Say

A Philipsburg man was arrested and jailed after running from Hopatcong police and resisting arrest, authorities said.

The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for David Christian, 23, and asked local police to serve it to the Philipsburg resident at his current location on Helen Street in Hopatcong, Lt. Thomas Kmetz said.

Hopatcong police, along with a detective from Lopatcong, tried to serve the warrant at noon Tuesday, and Christian ran from the officers, Kmetz said. A chase ensued, which caused the detective to injure his leg and head while in pursuit, Kmetz said.

Christian headed toward Stanhope and ran into the woods near railroad tracks, Kmetz said. Officers lost track of Christian but continued to search for him until he was spotted near St. Michael’s Church on Rt. 46 at 7 p.m., Kmetz said.

Officer Janoski of the Netcong Police gave chase upon finding Christian, who fled again, Kmetz said. Officer Anthony Cirri of Hopatcong joined the pursuit and caught up to them behind a house, Kmetz said.

Christian had been pepper-sprayed but resisted arrest while Janoski tried handcuffing him, Kmetz said. With the help of Cirri, Christian was subdued and brought to the Hopatcong Police headquarters.

Christian was charged with hindering his own apprehension, resisting arrest / eluding by flight, and aggravated assault on a police officer.

He was turned over to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and jailed on $35,000 bail, with an additional $2,500 added on by Hopatcong.

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