Warren County Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash During High-Speed Police Chase on I-80

WARREN COUNTY, NJ - A high-speed chase on the morning of August 13, 2024, which led to a fatal motorcycle crash on I-80 in Warren County when a New Jersey State Trooper attempted to pull over an SUV is now being investigated by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and his administration have released details regarding the fatal crash involving a police pursuit on Aug. 13, in Hope Township, Warren County. Previously reported by TAPinto , the deceased has been identified as 76-year-old Michael J. Ceddia, from Hackettstown, NJ.

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According to preliminary reports, the incident began when New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Trooper Christopher Bird initiated a pursuit of an SUV driven by Sean B. Mamakas, 33, from Kempton, Pennsylvania. At approximately 10:19 a.m., Trooper Bird began following Mamakas’ SUV eastbound on Route 80 near milepost 11.

Mamakas exited the interstate at Exit 12, merging onto County Road 521 southbound. It was at this juncture that Mamakas' SUV subsequently collided with Ceddia's motorcycle, which was traveling south on County Road 521. The crash occurred around 10:20 a.m., leading to Ceddia being ejected from his motorcycle.
Following the impact, Mamakas’ SUV veered off the road and came to a stop in a wooded area. Emergency responders arrived to administer first-aid, but Ceddia was pronounced dead at the location. Mamakas was transported to Hackettstown Medical Center for evaluation before being taken into police custody. He is currently lodged in the Warren County Correctional Center.

According to his obituary , Ceddia, better known as “Slink”, was a lifelong resident of Hackettstown and a Harley Davidson enthusiast. Ceddia enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a BM3 during the Vietnam War from 1966-1972.

The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office charged Mamakas with multiple offenses, including two counts of aggravated manslaughter, death by auto, eluding, and aggravated assault.

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In accordance with a 2019 state law , the Attorney General’s Office is overseeing the investigation into the fatal encounter. The law mandates that any death resulting from an interaction with law enforcement be investigated and presented to a grand jury to determine if criminal charges against the officers involved are warranted.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are being released at this time.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net