Minotola, NJ, Man Admits Assaulting Officer, Leaving Crash Scene

Buena, N.J. — A Minotola man is facing more than a year behind bars in connection with an attempted e-bike theft and leaving the scene of a crash last year.

On Tuesday, 37-year-old Jeffery Phillips pleaded guilty to fourth-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and third-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.

Attempted E-bike Theft in Hammonton

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, on August 7th of last year, the Hammonton Police Department responded to the area of the Hammonton Train Station for reports of a man who was attempting to steal an e-bike.

That man, identified as Phillips, was standing near the e-bike when police arrived. Phillips noticed the officers and began walking away, eventually running from the officers. During his apprehension, officials said Phillips spat on and injured at least one of the responding officers.

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Buena Vista Township Crash

Then, on September 30th, New Jersey State Police responded to reports of an accident in the area of Route 40 and Tuckahoe Road in Buena Vista Township. While at the scene conducting their investigation, troopers were approached by Phillips, who admitted that he was the driver of the vehicle and had fled the scene of the crash before returning.

Sentencing

Sentencing is scheduled for June 23rd. His plea agreement calls for 18 months to run concurrently to a term of three years in state prison.

Assistant Prosecutor Frank Edward Vizzi, Jr., represents the State in this case.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com