A driver was arrested in Toms River after fleeing police at speeds reaching 90 mph, later refusing to exit his vehicle and identifying himself as a “sovereign citizen,” according to Toms River PBA Local 137.

The incident began on July 26, when Ocean County College security contacted the Toms River Police Department after observing a man driving through a campus parking lot whom they suspected was under the influence.

As officers arrived, the vehicle left the college property and entered College Drive. Patrolman Tyler Pinto conducted a traffic stop, and the driver initially pulled over before suddenly taking off, shutting off the vehicle’s lights in an apparent attempt to evade police.

The vehicle continued onto Hooper Avenue at a low rate of speed before entering the Garden State Parkway, where it accelerated to approximately 90 mph. Officers terminated the pursuit in the interest of public safety and in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General guidelines.

A short time later, Toms River officers located the vehicle on Route 166 and followed it without activating emergency lights. The driver eventually pulled into Castle Park, where officers conducted a felony stop.

Police said the driver refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Officers Tyler Pinto, Mlotkiewicz, Mastandrea, Litterer and Morsch then formed a tactical team and approached the vehicle using a ballistic shield.

According to the PBA, the driver identified himself as a “sovereign citizen” and continued refusing to comply. Officers ultimately forcibly removed him from the vehicle, and police said he resisted before being placed under arrest.

The driver was charged with eluding, resisting arrest and obstruction.

Toms River PBA Local 137 commended the officers involved for their handling of the incident.