Police: Officer punched, bit while attempting to arrest suspected car thief in Clifton

Authorities say a patrol officer recognized a stolen car from Passaic just before 9:30 p.m. and tried to stop the driver.

News 12 Staff

Oct 28, 2023, 4:39 PM

Updated 400 days ago

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A police officer was punched and bit in Clifton Wednesday while trying to arrest a man accused of stealing a car.
Authorities say a patrol officer recognized a stolen car from Passaic just before 9:30 p.m. and tried to stop the driver.
Police say the driver took off, pulled into the parking lot of a ShopRite on Paulison Avenue in Passaic and tried running away.
As the officer attempted to arrest Pedro Martinez, police say he began biting and punching him.
Police also found a gun on Martinez. They say he now faces several charges.