Secaucus Police Arrest Man Who Jumped into River to Evade Arrest

On February 23, 2024, at 9:31 A.M., Loss Prevention of Kohl’s, 3 Millcreek Drive, reported to the Secaucus Police that a male committed a theft and was fleeing the area in a 2011 gray Mitsubishi Lancer. Upon their arrival, the suspect vehicle drove around two marked police units and went down a one-way street to flee onto Route 3 West. 

Police Officer Salvatore Manente Jr. was monitoring the radio transmissions and positioned himself on Route 3 West. He was able to observe the gray Mitsubishi Lancer travelling recklessly at a high rate of speed. Police Officer Manente Jr. attempted to stop the vehicle and ascertained the license plate, however the driver, identified as Gregory Calvo, 53, of Union City, disregarded the signal to stop and accelerated at a high rate of speed on Route 3 West. At this point, Police Officer Manente Jr. disengaged from the attempt to stop and lost sight of the gray Mitsubishi Lancer.

While turning around in East Rutherford near Metlife Stadium Police Officer Manente Jr. came upon the gray Mitsubishi Lancer after it had struck a guardrail underneath the Berry’s Creek bridge.  Gregory Calvo exited the vehicle, fled on foot, ignored commands to halt and jumped into Berrys Creek. 

Secaucus Police launched its unmanned aerial drone to maintain an overhead visual of Gregory Calvo as he was drifting in the current. After being in the frigid water for almost fifteen minutes, Gregory Calvo was pulled from the water and placed under arrest by police officers and New Jersey State Troopers. He was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment. 

The gray Mitsubishi Lancer was found to have been stolen from Union City early that morning. A search of the vehicle uncovered stolen property and burglar’s tools. 

“I am proud to be part of a profession that generates such an overwhelming response when a call for assistance is broadcasted,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “This incident is another example that the Secaucus Police Department will work tirelessly to apprehend criminals, despite their desperate attempts to evade capture. I want to thank the New Jersey State Police, and East Rutherford, Rutherford and Carlstadt Police Departments, along with Hudson Regional Hospital EMS for their assistance.”

Gregory Calvo was charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law [2C:29-1(a)], Resisting Arrest [2C:29-2a(2)], Shoplifting [2C:20-11b(1)], Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle [2C:20-10.2] Eluding [2C:29-2(b)] and Possession of Burglar Tools [2C:5-5a(2)]. He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail. These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.