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Manhunt Continues For Suspect Who Stole Unmarked Police Car In NJ

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A massive manhunt continues for a suspect who police said is wanted for stealing an unmarked police car in New Jersey after hitting a cop with the vehicle.

The suspect, identified by the Bergen County Prosecutor's office as Juan Mendez, 33, should be considered armed and dangerous, authorities said.

Manhunt In Harlem For Suspect Who Stole Undercover Police Car In NJ

Around 10 a.m. Friday, police said officers were conducting an investigation at the Skyview Motel in Fort Lee, N.J. when Mendez jumped into an unmarked cop car, an Audi A6.

Juan Mendez
Juan Mendez (credit: Bergen County Prosecutor's office)

Police said Mendez struck one officer with the car and tried to run over another. Shots were fired, but's it's unclear if the suspect was injured, police said.

He then sped off, crossed over the George Washington Bridge and fled into Manhattan, police said. He later ditched the car at 125th Street and Riverside Drive and possibly fled on foot, police said.

Heavily armed officers, K-9s and helicopters canvassed the area searching for Mendez. Police were also checking nearby hospitals in case he was injured and tried to seek treatment.

The officer's duty bag containing a police department issued raid jacket and .45 caliber ammunition were stolen from the vehicle, police said.

Manhunt Continues For Suspect Who Stole Unmarked Police Car In NJ

The car was flatbedded back to Fort Lee to be processed, CBS 2's John Slattery reported.

Police had earlier identified the suspect as Eduardo Santiago Carrasquillo.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Lee Police Department or the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 201-226-5651.

Fort Lee Stolen Cop Car
The Skyview Motel in Fort Lee, New Jersey where an officer was allegedly assaulted by a suspect who then stole an undercover cop car. (credit: Levon Putney/WCBS 880)

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