Three teens stole a Jeep, rammed police cars, then took a police car on a high-speed chase. They were caught in several counties before ditching the car.
- Three teens in a stolen Jeep stole a police car and led officers on a high-speed chase.
- The 15-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger were caught and face several charges.
- This incident shows problems in the juvenile justice system and the need for changes.
Teens Steal Police Car, Lead Cops on a Wild Chase
Early Monday morning, three teens from Jersey City caused chaos in Secaucus, New Jersey.
They were found in a stolen Jeep and ended up stealing a police car, leading officers on a high-speed chase through several counties.
At 2:42 a.m., Secaucus Police Officer Paul Miller found a stolen 2018 Jeep Wrangler at the Sunoco Gas Station on Route 3 East.
The Jeep was reported stolen from Jersey City on June 26. When the police tried to stop the Jeep, the 15-year-old driver rammed into two police cars, hurting an officer’s knee.
One Escapes After High-Speed Chase
The teens ran away on foot, but Sgt. Aniello Schaffer quickly caught the 16-year-old front-seat passenger.
Officers Dwight Wise and William Smith chased and caught the 15-year-old driver on Route 3.
The third teen, who was in the back seat, saw a chance, jumped into an unattended police car, and drove off.
He led police on a chase through Jersey City, Kearny, and Newark, going over 100 mph.
The police lost sight of the car but tracked it to Hillside, where they found it abandoned. The third teen is still at large.
Arrests, Charges, and Need for Justice Reform
Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller was frustrated, especially because the 15-year-old driver had just been released from an electronic monitoring program after previous violent arrests.
Both teens who were caught face serious charges:
15-year-old driver:
- Aggravated Assault
- Possession of a Weapon (vehicle) for an Unlawful Purpose
- Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle
- Criminal Mischief
- Resisting Arrest
- Conspiracy to Commit Receiving a Stolen Vehicle
16-year-old passenger:
- Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle
- Resisting Arrest
- Conspiracy to Commit Receiving a Stolen Vehicle
The 15-year-old was sent to the Morris County Youth Detention Facility. The 16-year-old was released to his parents and will appear in Family Court.
He called for changes to hold juveniles accountable and give prosecutors the tools to deal with repeat offenders effectively.
Chief Miller Expresses Gratitude to the Police
The incident has shaken the local community. Homeowners in Hillside shared doorbell camera footage of police using flashlights and drones to search for the suspect.
Chief Miller expressed gratitude to the various agencies involved in the chase and search, including the Kearny and Hillside Police Departments, New Jersey State Police, and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office.
Ongoing Investigation, Police Seek Public’s Help
The investigation continues, and more arrests or charges could come. If you have any information, contact the Secaucus Police Detective Division at (201) 330-2052 or email detectivedivsion@secaucusnjpolice.gov.
