Police: Toms River man arrested following high-speed chase through multiple counties

Zac Hartman allegedly led police on a chase through eight towns and two counties.

Jim Murdoch

Nov 13, 2023, 11:03 AM

Updated 376 days ago

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A wild chase that began outside a Howell steak house Saturday night ended early Sunday morning – after going through eight towns and two counties.
Police say 38-year-old Zac Hartman, of Toms River, was behind the wheel of a U-Haul
Witnesses say it began when he got agitated when he was told he would have to wait for a steak at Longhorn. Hartman then allegedly backed into a Howell police cruiser before taking off on a two-hour pursuit through southern Monmouth and northern Ocean counties. The chase ended in Jackson Township.
"It's really exactly like a movie, but we're sitting right there and it's a little scary. A bit scary to see that," said Jackson resident Kim Halupka who witnessed the pursuit come to an end.
After a few more tense minutes the police negotiators finally got Hartman out of the U-Haul and took him into custody without any injuries.
Hartman is in Monmouth County jail awaiting a detention hearing.