John Melendez
A Millville man accused of shooting a gun in Atlantic City, and then crashing into a patrol car as police tried to stop him was ordered held in jail last week.
John Melendez, 25, was found with a loaded handgun stolen from Atlanta following the June 29 crash that injured two Atlantic City police officers.
He already had sped past two officers who attempted to stop him after hearing a gunshot, and being told the suspect fled in a gold Honda, according to the affidavit read at his detention hearing Thursday.
“This is an aberrant act fueled by drugs, self-defense and fear,” defense attorney John Bjorklund said.
Melendez indicated that he was in an argument with another man over his shoes, which he had removed to help other push a vehicle that was not moving, Bjorklund said.
At some point, the unidentified man took out a gun and fired a shot, causing Melendez to flee, according to his attorney who said the defendant’s girlfriend and two independent witnesses could corroborate his story.
Bjorklund said Melendez has a drug issue, and that everyone at the scene “was under the influence of controlled dangerous substances as well as alcohol.”
Judge Donna Taylor considered the defense’s arguments, but said she found that did not overcome the need to detain him for the safety of the public. She also pointed out that Melendez failed to stop for the officers, crashing into one of the patrol cars and then was found with a stolen gun.
Melendez also already was on release on prior pending charges.
The judge went against the public safety assessment, which recommended Melendez be released with conditions.
The public safety assessment is used to help determine whether a defendant should be held under bail reform.
Melendez remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
