Kenilworth Officer Injured After Suspect Rams Patrol Car During Chase

A Kenilworth police officer suffered minor injuries after a suspect reportedly rammed a marked patrol vehicle during a chase on Friday, September 27, 2026 at approximately 2 a.m. The suspect was arrested the following morning and faces multiple criminal charges, authorities said.

THE INCIDENT

According to Kenilworth Police Lt. Michael Scanielo, the incident began when Kenilworth Police received information that a 2020 gray BMW registered to Mason Horvath of Middletown had allegedly driven into an Essex County Sheriff's Officer and fled the scene.

The Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system located Horvath's vehicle in Kenilworth. Officers initiated a pursuit as the BMW attempted to escape police throughout the borough.

"During the chase, Horvath reportedly rammed a marked Kenilworth Police patrol vehicle, causing minor injuries to the officer," Scanielo said.

Kenilworth and Union Township police continued the pursuit until it was terminated in Union Township.

ARREST & CHARGES

Horvath was arrested at his home in Middletown the following morning, Saturday, September 28, 2026, following an investigation by the Kenilworth Police Department Detective Bureau.

He was taken to the Kenilworth Police Department and charged on a criminal warrant with:

• Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer

• Eluding police

• Criminal mischief

Union County Life covers public safety and police incidents across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Horvath was lodged in the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.

ONGOING INVESTIGATION

The New Jersey State Police and Essex County Sheriff's Office are assisting with the ongoing investigation into the incident and the alleged assault on the Essex County Sheriff's Officer that preceded the Kenilworth chase.

FAQ

What happened on September 27 in Kenilworth?
A Kenilworth police officer was injured after a suspect reportedly rammed a marked patrol vehicle during a vehicle pursuit. The incident began when police learned that the suspect's vehicle had allegedly struck an Essex County Sheriff's Officer.

Who is the suspect?
Mason Horvath of Middletown, NJ is the suspect. He was arrested the following morning and faces multiple criminal charges.

What vehicle was involved?
A 2020 gray BMW registered to Mason Horvath was involved in the pursuit.

How was the vehicle located?
The Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system located Horvath's vehicle in Kenilworth.

How did the chase begin?
Kenilworth Police received information that Horvath's vehicle had allegedly driven into an Essex County Sheriff's Officer and fled. Officers initiated a pursuit when the vehicle was located in Kenilworth.

Was the Kenilworth officer seriously injured?
The officer suffered minor injuries when the suspect's vehicle rammed the marked patrol car.

Where was Horvath arrested?
Horvath was arrested at his home in Middletown on Saturday, September 28, 2026, following an investigation by the Kenilworth Police Department Detective Bureau.

What charges has Horvath been charged with?
Horvath was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, eluding police, and criminal mischief. Additional charges are pending.

Is Horvath in custody?
Yes, Horvath was lodged in the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Who is investigating this incident?
The Kenilworth Police Department Detective Bureau led the investigation. The New Jersey State Police and Essex County Sheriff's Office are assisting.

Are there additional charges expected?
Yes, additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.