2 High Speed Getaways, 2 Crashes End With Arrest In Somerset County

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A Branchburg man was charged after police said he stole two vehicles, sped away from police, and crashed both vehicles on two separate occasions.

Nicholas G. Aiello, 26, of Branchburg Township, was charged with third-degree theft of a motor vehicle, second-degree eluding, third-degree theft of a controlled dangerous substance, and third-degree receiving stolen property in relation to two separate incidents involving motor vehicle thefts, according to Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Thomas Chirichella and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor.

On Feb. 24, 2022, at about 9:21 p.m., Branchburg Township Police went to an area restaurant for a report of a stolen vehicle.

At the same time, a patrol officer saw a vehicle driving eastbound on Route 28 at a high rate of speed. The officer activated his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, but stopped the chase for safety reasons as the vehicle sped out of sight, according to authorities.

That vehicle was found a short time later by the Flemington Police overturned in the retention drainage area near the center of the Flemington Circle.

Aiello was identified as a person of interest and the stolen vehicle was found to be the vehicle speeding on Route 28 which didn't stop for the Branchburg officer, according to a joint investigation with Flemington Police.

The investigation also found that Aiello had taken a bottle containing 60 Alprazolam prescription pills from a Branchburg residence, said police.

Additionally on March 15, 2022, at about 10:22 a.m., the Branchburg Township Police Department was notified of a motor vehicle theft at an area convenience store on Route 28.

A Branchburg Officer immediately broadcasted a description of the stolen vehicle and within minutes the stolen vehicle was seen by a Branchburg Police Officer driving north on River Road, said police.

The stolen vehicle sped away out of the officer’s view. While driving on Station Road the same officer found the stolen vehicle which had crashed into the Station Road Bridge, said authorities.

The driver, later identified as Aiello, was seen trying to run from the area but was ordered to stop. He listened and was taken into custody.

Aiello was taken to an area hospital for treatment for minor injuries which he sustained during the crash.

After being treated for his injuries he was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact the Branchburg Police Department at 908-526-3830 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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

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