A Neptune man was found with over 175 oxycodone hydrochloride tablets after fleeing from the Eatontown Police early Sunday morning.

Patrol Officer Christopher Bartlett stopped a motor vehicle at about 2 a.m. on Jan. 27 on Route 18 in Eatontown after observing a lit cigarette being thrown from the vehicle, Eatontown Police Det. Lawrence Tyler said.

"Upon speaking with the driver and passengers of the vehicle he believed that they were in possession of controlled dangerous substances," Tyler said. "P.O. Bartlett continued his investigation and while speaking with the occupants individually one of the subjects, Andre Wilson, 29, from Monmouth Avenue in Neptune, attempted to flee the scene by running across the southbound lanes of Route 18, across the median and then across the northbound lanes and into the wooded area along the highway."

Tyler said Bartlett and officers Bailey and Errickson, who were on the scene as buckup officers, followed Wilson and caught him after after chasing him down the embankment and into the wooded area.

"Wilson was found to be in possession of over 175 oxycodone hydrochloride tablets without a prescription and a large amount of cash," Tyler said.

Wilson was arrested and charged with possession of the tablets, possession with intent to distribute, eluding by flight to avoid an arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and the original motor vehicle violation.  

Wilson was processed at police headquarters and released after posting bail.

Eatontown Police Officer Williams also assisted with the investigation, as well as units from the Ocean Township Police Department, Tyler said.