Rondell Riddell, 27, formerly of Newark, pleaded guilty to an eluding charge for leading police on a chase after his two co-defendants were involved in a fatal shooting
Rondell Riddell NEWARK -- A South Carolina man pleaded guilty on Friday to an eluding charge for leading police on a chase through four Essex County towns in 2013 after his two co-defendants were involved in a fatal shooting.
Rondell Riddell, 27, formerly of Newark, entered the plea in connection with the March 29, 2013 shooting of Craig Pinckney, Jr. in East Orange.
After his co-defendants - Rashi Finch, 21, formerly of Irvington, and Tarik Ford, 22, formerly of East Orange - participated in the shooting, they left the scene in a vehicle driven by Riddell, authorities said. Riddell was only charged with eluding offenses and not charges related to the killing.
Under a plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending a three-year prison sentence for Riddell, according to Katherine Carter, spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 15 before Superior Court Judge Ronald Wigler.
Finch and Ford were sentenced on Oct. 20 to seven years and five years in state prison, respectively, after pleading guilty on Sept. 9 to charges related to Pinckney's death.
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Finch pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon, and Ford pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon.
In pleading guilty, Finch admitted to fatally shooting Pinckney after the parties got into a struggle on Springdale Avenue.
While driving a patrol vehicle on North Maple Avenue towards Springdale Avenue at around 5 p.m., an East Orange police officer heard shots being fired in the area of Springdale and Roosevelt Avenues, authorities said.
As the officer approached the scene, he saw Finch and Ford running away from Pinckney, who was laying on the ground in front of 267 Springdale Avenue with apparent gunshot wounds, authorities said. Finch and Ford ran to a Saturn that was parked in front of 10 Roosevelt Avenue, authorities said.
The officer activated his lights and sirens to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle sped off, authorities said.
The officer chased the vehicle throughout East Orange, Irvington and Newark before entering the Garden State Parkway and then Interstate 280 West, authorities said.
The vehicle ultimately stopped near exit 8 on Interstate 280 West in West Orange, and Finch, Ford and Riddell were taken into custody, authorities said.
Bill Wichert may be reached at bwichert@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BillWichertNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
