BELLEVILLE, Essex County, N.J., Oct. 27, 2026 — A man accused of hitting a Belleville police officer with a car and driving off was arrested overnight Monday, October 26, after a search that stretched into Connecticut, authorities said. Two officers were hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The incident began when a Belleville officer was struck by a vehicle, according to the mayor's office. The driver fled, though the circumstances have not been detailed.
Connecticut State Police said troopers received an alert around 1:49 a.m. for a suspect tied to the Belleville case. Investigators believed the vehicle was headed eastbound on Interstate 84 in Cheshire, Connecticut. Troopers from Troop H later found the suspect and the vehicle at a gas station in New Britain, Connecticut, and made the arrest without incident, the agency reporte.
The man was identified as Damien Sulewski. He is expected to be arraigned in Connecticut before being returned to New Jersey to face charges there.
Belleville Mayor Frank Vélez said in a statement that the two injured officers were taken to a hospital.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Belleville, NJ
This crash happened on I-84 in Belleville, NJ. We cover crashes across Essex County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Essex County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are commonly seen when a pedestrian or officer is struck by a vehicle?
These crashes often cause fractures, head injuries, and soft-tissue trauma, since the body absorbs the impact directly. Severity depends on vehicle speed and point of contact.
What typically leads to these kinds of vehicle-pedestrian incidents?
Common factors include failure to yield, distracted driving, and drivers losing control while fleeing a scene or avoiding a stop.
Does speed make a difference in outcomes?
Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of any impact, which raises the chance of serious injury.
Why is distracted driving a particular concern in these cases?
A driver who is not fully focused on the road may not see an officer, pedestrian, or stopped vehicle in time to brake or steer away, turning a routine stop into a collision.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Belleville, NJ
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a crash should call 911 right away and stay as far from traffic as safety allows. Even injuries that feel minor at first, like soreness or a headache, are worth having checked by a medical professional, since some symptoms take hours or days to appear. If you're a witness, try to note what you saw, including vehicle direction and any immediate aftermath, in case police need a statement later. Cooperating with responding officers and keeping a copy of any police report can also help if questions arise afterward about what happened.
