Prosecutors say the 27-year-old jumped into the driver's seat during a narcotics investigation, sped away with an officer still inside and deliberately crashed before fleeing on foot.
MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A Cumberland County man has pleaded guilty to multiple felony offenses after prosecutors say he sped away from Atlantic City police with an officer still inside the vehicle, deliberately crashed and attempted to escape on foot before being arrested with a loaded handgun.
Jonathan Candelaria-Torres, 27, of Bridgeton, pleaded guilty Thursday, October 22, before Superior Court Judge Joseph Levin to second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm, second-degree eluding and third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, the plea agreement calls for an eight-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison, including five years during which Candelaria-Torres would be ineligible for parole.
The charges stem from a January 5, 2026, incident that began during a suspected narcotics investigation in Atlantic City.
Police Investigation Turns Dangerous
Atlantic City police officers were investigating a vehicle near Florida and Pacific avenues for possible narcotics activity when the confrontation occurred.
Officers ordered the driver and passenger out of the vehicle, but Candelaria-Torres, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, refused to exit.
Police summoned a K-9 unit to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle.
According to prosecutors, the police dog alerted to the possible presence of narcotics.
Officers again ordered Candelaria-Torres to exit the vehicle, but he continued to refuse.
An officer then entered the vehicle in an attempt to remove him.
That is when prosecutors say the situation escalated dramatically.
Candelaria-Torres jumped over the center console into the driver's seat and shifted the vehicle into drive while the officer was still inside.
He then accelerated to a high rate of speed.
The officer attempted to gain control of the moving vehicle as Candelaria-Torres drove away.
According to the Prosecutor's Office, Candelaria-Torres intentionally crashed the vehicle on South Indiana Avenue.
Authorities did not provide details about the officer's condition or whether anyone was injured in the crash.
Suspect Flees on Foot, Police Recover Loaded Handgun
Following the crash, prosecutors say Candelaria-Torres exited the vehicle and ran northbound.
Police pursued him and took him into custody several minutes later.
During a search following his arrest, officers discovered a loaded handgun inside a satchel he was carrying.
Candelaria-Torres was subsequently charged in connection with the attempted escape, the assault involving the officer and unlawful firearm possession.
The charge of certain persons not to possess a firearm applies to individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Prosecutors did not specify the underlying disqualifying circumstance in the release.
Sentencing Scheduled for January
Under the negotiated plea agreement, Candelaria-Torres faces eight years in state prison, with a five-year period of parole ineligibility.
His sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2027, before Judge Levin.
Assistant Prosecutor Brooke Melissa Hoffner is representing the state.
The case was investigated by the Atlantic City Police Department and prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
The final sentence remains subject to the court's approval.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
