ultimately stabilizing. He now has problems, however, with steep stairs and on loose surfaces such as sand at the beach. Further, he stated he has been rendered unable to run.
The defense was premised on denying defendant had engaged in any drug transaction, any reckless driving or any attempt to elude the police. Defendant maintained that she was only trying to get away from the suspicious vehicle that was following her and that she was unaware it contained sheriff's detectives. Spino testified that he and defendant went to the Paramus Mall on Route 17 where defendant shopped while he stayed in the car or walked about the parking lot. He testified that they left the mall via Route 80 where defendant became stuck in traffic and got off thehighway because she knew a short cut. Defendant also needed gas and cigarettes, so they stopped at a gasoline station. He stated that shortly thereafter they were stopped at a traffic light when a car pulled up along the right and an occupant of that car seemed to be yelling to pull over. Spino testified that upon informing defendant of this, the light changed and she "took off." He denied ever being aware that either vehicle contained sheriff officers.
According to Spino, Mankovich jumped out of his car with gun drawn, ran around the front of the Camaro and bumped into the fender. Spino testified that defendant was calmly complying with Mankovich's directives, but that the detective kept yelling and finally just smashed the window. Spino denied being aware