🚨 ICE PURSUIT ENDS IN CRASH INVOLVING EAST BRUNSWICK MAYOR’S WIFE 🚔💥
A vehicle fleeing a federal immigration stop crashed into the wife of East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen in North Brunswick. The driver was captured after fleeing on foot, and Penelope Cohen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
📍 NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ | September 3, 2026
A vehicle that authorities say fled from a federal immigration enforcement stop in North Brunswick Wednesday morning ended up crashing into a vehicle driven by the wife of East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, according to township officials and elected leaders.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. near Route 130 South and Raider Road.
🚔 DRIVER FLED TRAFFIC STOP
North Brunswick officials said federal immigration agents were conducting a motor vehicle stop when the driver initially pulled over.
Authorities said the driver then sped away from the agents, ran a red light and collided with another vehicle.
That vehicle was being driven by Penelope Cohen, a physician and the wife of East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen.
Following the collision, officials said the driver sought by federal agents exited the vehicle and fled on foot. He was apprehended by federal agents a short time later.
🚑 MAYOR’S WIFE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
Cohen was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick along with the other driver.
Officials said Cohen’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
North Brunswick police reported that the crash temporarily reduced Route 130 South to one lane near Raider Road, resulting in significant traffic delays.
⚖️ ACCOUNTS OF HOW THE INCIDENT BEGAN
The circumstances leading up to the pursuit have prompted statements from elected officials and immigration advocates.
U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman said on social media that the incident appeared to involve an ICE-related vehicle pursuit and criticized federal immigration enforcement practices.
Immigration advocate and Reformed Church of Highland Park pastor Seth Kaper-Dale provided an account alleging that ICE agents stopped the vehicle near Route 130 and attempted to remove the driver after breaking a window. That account has not been independently confirmed by North Brunswick police in the information provided.
North Brunswick Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack later confirmed that Penelope Cohen was involved in the crash and provided details about the traffic stop and subsequent pursuit.
🔎 INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
The incident remains under investigation. Officials have not released additional information regarding the identity or immigration status of the driver involved.
The crash also comes amid heightened attention surrounding federal immigration enforcement activity in New Jersey.
📲 Garden State News Network will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as additional confirmed information becomes available.