Teens Crash Stolen Car While Evading Galloway Police, Officials Say

GALLOWAY, NJ — A police chase ensued after a Galloway officer tried to pull over a stolen vehicle being driven by a 16-year-old, Galloway police said.

Multiple criminal and motor vehicle charges are pending for the driver, from Hammonton, along with two passengers, a 16-year-old from Atlantic City and a 15-year-old from Pleasantville.

A gun was also found hidden in the stolen car, police said.

At about 4 a.m. on July 20, Sgt. Kevin Costa saw the 2013 Honda Accord in the area of Sterling Court and 2nd Avenue, police said.

The car made an abrupt turn and sped off south on 2nd Avenue, police said. Costa saw the car's registration and discovered it had been stolen earlier in the morning, police said.

Costa tried to catch up with the car, which turned onto White Horse Pike. He turned on his lights and sirens to stop the car, but the Honda continued speeding, police said.

Costa followed the stolen car out of Galloway and into Absecon where the driver began to lose control, police said.

The Honda left the road and went into a marshy area, where it began to catch fire, police said.

Costa quickly went to render aid and saw that the car was occupied by three teenage boys, police said. The passengers were able to exit the car of their own accord but Costa had to pull out the driver as he had gone unconscious, police said.

All three were taken to Atlanticare Medical Center City Division, Trauma Center where the passengers were treated and released to their parents. The driver was admitted and treated for shock and a head injury, police said.

Galloway police issued the following statement.

"The Galloway Township Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind our residents that motor vehicle thefts and burglaries can often be avoided by making sure your vehicles are locked at all times. Additional ways to keep your vehicles safe are to park in well-lit areas, limiting the amount of personal property and valuables left in vehicles and not leaving running vehicles unlocked and unattended. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors and as always call the Police Department to report any and all suspicious behavior."