Stolen Car Crashes On I-78, Teen Arrested After Foot Chase In Warren

WARREN, NJ — A 15-year-old boy from Newark was arrested and two other people remain at large following a police chase of a stolen car through Warren Township and onto Interstate 78, authorities said.

Just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, Warren Township Police Officers found a stolen motor vehicle within the township and tried to conduct a motor vehicle stop. The stolen vehicle fsped away towards Interstate 78, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald and Warren Township Chief of Police William E. Keane.

The stolen car hit a tire deflation device, deployed by Warren Township Officers, and crashed on Interstate 78, at which time three people fled on foot, said McDonald.

One 15-year-old boy was taken into custody.

Despite an extensive search, spanning several hours, with the help of the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, along with officers and canines from surrounding jurisdictions, the other two people were not found.

A search of the stolen vehicle found a handgun with a partially loaded high-capacity magazine, said McDonald.

"It is important to note that there is no danger to the public at this time and the individuals are believed to have left the area in a stolen vehicle reported later that morning from Watchung. The investigation remains ongoing by authorities," said McDonald.

The juvenile was charged with a juvenile delinquency complaint for second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon (handgun), fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon/device (high-capacity magazine), and fourth-degree unlawful taking of means of conveyance.

The juvenile was taken to the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center pending a Family Court appearance.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Warren Township Police Department at 908-753-1000, or Warren Township Police tip line at warrenpolice.com, 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.

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