NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Clifton, NJ, February 3, 2026: A Clifton man has been charged with multiple offenses after police say he fled from officers during a welfare check and later called police headquarters to brag about evading them.
According to the East Rutherford Police Department, Vishal Bhatt, 38, contacted the department on Jan. 28 to complain about a traffic ticket he had received. Police said comments Bhatt made during the call raised concerns about his well-being, prompting officers to go to his location to conduct a welfare check.
When officers arrived, they found Bhatt sitting in a white Kia Rio, police said. As officers approached, Bhatt allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle.
Police said Bhatt ran a stop sign, improperly passed another vehicle and nearly struck an oncoming car. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Bhatt accelerated at a high rate of speed and illegally passed several vehicles, putting other motorists at risk, according to a statement from Capt. Jeff Yannacone. Officers later terminated the pursuit but were able to positively identify Bhatt as the driver.
Police said Bhatt later called police headquarters multiple times and bragged about being able to elude officers.
On Jan. 30, officers located Bhatt in Clifton and placed him under arrest.
Bhatt has been charged with eluding police and several motor vehicle offenses, including unsafe operation of a vehicle, unsafe lane changes, failure to stop for an emergency vehicle, failure to possess a driver’s license or insurance, and speeding across a sidewalk. He was transported to Bergen County Jail.
The charges are pending in court.
