Authorities: Driver who tried to drag officer turns himself in

<p>A man who allegedly grabbed a police officer's tie and tried to drag him along while fleeing a traffic stop has turned himself in.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 13, 2018, 7:42 PM

Updated 2,135 days ago

Share:

A man who allegedly grabbed a police officer's tie and tried to drag him along while fleeing a traffic stop has turned himself in.
South Brunswick police say 46-year-old township resident Alan Fratello Jr. surrendered Wednesday at police headquarters, a day after the traffic stop occurred in the Middlesex County community.
Authorities say Fratello was stopped for erratic driving on Route 32 east. They say he pulled Detective Eric Tighelaar's necktie when the officer approached the car and then began driving away.
The detective had to briefly run alongside the vehicle before he freed himself. Tighelaar wasn't injured.
South Brunswick police say that Fratello surrendered after the department received multiple tips from people who saw his picture on News 12 New Jersey.
Police also say that South Brunswick police have twice saved Fratello’s life when he overdosed in December and April.
“This driver had overdosed and officers revived him,” says Deputy Chief Jim Ryan. “So South Brunswick officers revived the same person who’s putting another officer in jeopardy. “
Fratello is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and eluding.
Police are still looking for Jaqueline Smith, the owner of the vehicle Fratello was driving. Smith was a passenger in the car during the traffic stop, according to police.
Anyone who may have more information on Smith’s whereabouts should contact South Brunswick police at 732-329-4646.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
1:25
Local author shines light on Monroe’s only unsolved murder case

Local author shines light on Monroe’s only unsolved murder case

2:11
Mostly cloudy skies, light showers and cold temperatures in Connecticut

Mostly cloudy skies, light showers and cold temperatures in Connecticut

0:20
Police: Teen shot in the head in Bridgeport last week dies from injuries

Police: Teen shot in the head in Bridgeport last week dies from injuries

2:15
Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

0:24
Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

0:29
Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

2:33
Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

0:21
Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases

Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases

2:13
Time running out for hundreds of bills at state Capitol

Time running out for hundreds of bills at state Capitol

1:51
Ceremony held in Greenwich to mark 1 year anniversary with Ukrainian sister city

Ceremony held in Greenwich to mark 1 year anniversary with Ukrainian sister city

0:27
Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton fire crews assist Westport Fire Dept. in Hunt Club Lane house fire

Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton fire crews assist Westport Fire Dept. in Hunt Club Lane house fire

0:20
Firefighter injured when truck crashes into Shelton condo

Firefighter injured when truck crashes into Shelton condo

2:24
Connecticut joins partnership to hold airlines accountable for consumer complaints

Connecticut joins partnership to hold airlines accountable for consumer complaints

0:32
Police: Ax-wielding man faces charges in Fairfield chase

Police: Ax-wielding man faces charges in Fairfield chase

0:22
Police: Stamford woman faces larceny charges for phony check in Westport

Police: Stamford woman faces larceny charges for phony check in Westport

2:07
FAFSA new application delay is affecting students across Connecticut

FAFSA new application delay is affecting students across Connecticut

0:30
Sikorsky plans to lay off employees following cancellation of U.S. Army program

Sikorsky plans to lay off employees following cancellation of U.S. Army program

0:41
Police: 2 suspects arrested for narcotics and illegal firearms in Bridgeport

Police: 2 suspects arrested for narcotics and illegal firearms in Bridgeport