Stolen Car Chase Ends In Crash, Foot Pursuit In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A stolen car chase was among the items reported in the Bernards Township Police Blotter for April.

On April 8, Bernards Township Patrol responded to the area of Lurline Drive for a report of a motor vehicle theft.

The caller reported a man looking into vehicles. The man was seen wearing a black hat, white sneakers, and a black hoodie, said police.

Patrol officers found a stolen Toyota that was speeding on Lurline Drive.

When the Toyota and an unidentified male suspect saw police trying to stop him, the driver increased the speed of the Toyota and ultimately lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a motor vehicle crash on Lurline Drive, said police.

A foot pursuit began between the unidentified male and responding officers. After officers lost sight of the man, a thorough search of the area was conducted.

The man was not apprehended at this time, but several valuable pieces of evidence were secured.

This incident is being investigated by the detective bureau.

See below for the complete Bernards Township Police Blotter for April:

During the month of April, Bernards Township Police Department officers responded to 23 motor vehicle crashes. There were three injuries reported, and nine motor vehicle summonses were issued.

On April 2: Officer Mojica was watching traffic in the area of North Maple Ave when he saw a white Toyota committing a motor vehicle violation. Mojica conducted a motor vehicle stop and met with the driver of the vehicle, Gidelbi De Jesus Minaya Jimenez, 27, of Plainfield. After a brief investigation, Gidelbi was found to have an active warrant for his arrest out of Mountainside. Mojica then placed Gidelbi under arrest for his outstanding warrant. Gidelbi was issued a new court date and a summons, and he was released from police custody.

On April 5: Patrol responded to a vacant building in the area of Mt Airy Rd that is currently under construction for a report of criminal mischief. Officers saw several broken windows, unsecured exterior doors, and graffiti on various spots of the building. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact the Bernards Township Police Department.

On April 7: Officers responded to the area of Acken Road for a report of simple assault. Officers were met with the reporting party, who said he had engaged in a physical altercation with a coworker. After speaking with all parties on scene, the reporting party ultimately refused any further police help.

On April 10: Officers responded to the area of Fellowship Road for a report of a theft. The reporting party stated that they noticed they left their wallet and purse unsecured in their living space and when they returned to their living space, they saw several credit cards and personal information�on were stolen. The reporting party reported that several fraudulent charged were made to their credit cards. This incident is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.

On April 20: Officer McCartney was watching traffic in the area of Mt Airy Road when he saw a silver Toyota committing a traffic violation. McCartney conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Toyota and met the driver and registered owner, Luciano Peralta, 43, from Paterson. Luciano was found to have an active outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Passaic. McCartney then placed Luciano under arrest, and he was taken to Bernards Township Police Department headquarters. Passaic was contacted, and the Passaic County Sheriff's Department responded to headquarters and took custody of Luciano.

On April 24: Officer Mojica was watching traffic on Interstate 78 when he saw a white Honda
committing a traffic violation. Mojica conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Honda and was met with the driver of the vehicle, Nasir Lopez, 23, from Phillipsburg. Nasir was found to have an active outstanding warrant for his arrest from Greenwich Township. Mojica placed Nasir under arrest and contacted Greenwich Township. Nasir was able to post bail and was issued a new court date. Nasir was issued his summons and released from police custody.

On April 25: Officers Caponpon and Buchanan responded to the area of Whitenack Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Officers saw a white Ford positioned in the middle of the roadway. Officers met with the driver, Rebecca Blackwood Martin, 65, out of Far Hills, who said she was driving the vehicle. Martin was found to be under the influence of alcohol. Martin was placed under arrest and taken to Bernards Township Police Department. Martin was charged with driving while intoxicated and released to a responsible party with an upcoming court date.

On April 29: Officers and detectives responded to a local business in the area of Morristown Road for a report of a burglary. Officers and detectives spoke with the business owner and victim who said that their safe and other proceeds were stolen from their establishment. Security footage showed a man wearing a face covering, a hooded sweatshirt, and gloves leaving the scene with the proceeds. This incident is currently under investigation by the detective bureau. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact BTPD.

On April 30: Officer Mojica was patrolling the area of Martinsville Road when he saw a Toyota commit a motor vehicle violation. Mojica then conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Toyota and was met with driver, Samson Manyange, 31, out of Union. Samson was found to have not registered his vehicle and had fictitious plates on the Toyota he was driving. In addition, Manyange had an active warrant for his arrest out of Irvington. Mojica placed Samson under arrest and the Irvington Police were contacted. Samson was able to post bail on the scene and was issued a summons in addition to being provided a new court date by Irvington Police. Manyange's Toyota was towed from the scene, and he was released from police custody.

"The Bernard’s Township Police would like to continue to remind everyone to report suspicious activity observed by calling 908-766-1122. Please keep vehicles locked, without the keys in them and valuables out of sight. Please confirm all suspicious calls/emails/texts/messages requesting monetary payments with law enforcement or banking officials before sending funds," said police.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.