A 19-year-old Newark man has been charged with eluding police after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and driving recklessly on Route 21, Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo announced.

According to the sheriff's office, a detective assigned to traffic enforcement observed a dark-colored BMW traveling southbound on Route 21 in Passaic on June 13. Authorities said the vehicle was weaving through traffic, making unsafe lane changes, speeding and nearly striking several motorists.

The detective activated the lights and sirens and stopped the vehicle on the shoulder of Route 21 in Clifton. As the detective prepared to exit the patrol vehicle, the driver allegedly accelerated away, re-entered traffic and continued driving recklessly. The pursuit was terminated according to guidelines.

An investigation by the Passaic County Sheriff's Office identified the driver as Alexs J. Paredes, 19, of Newark. Detectives charged Paredes on June 17 with eluding a law enforcement officer.

Paredes was later arrested at his home and lodged pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing.

“Eluding police is a serious offense that puts innocent motorists and law enforcement officers at risk,” Adamo said in a statement. “The Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who flee from police and endanger the safety of others on our roadways.”

Authorities also issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving, speeding, failure to obey police signals, careless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, improper lane usage, failure to signal and seat belt violations.