Four Teens Caught In Stolen Car After Pursuit By Livingston Police

LIVINGSTON, NJ — An eagle-eyed Livingston officer on patrol on Monday morning spied a stolen vehicle, ultimately leading to the arrest of four Newark teens on several charges.

The Livingston police said that at 8 a.m., the officer on patrol spotted a 2019 Kia on South Orange Avenue that matched the description of a vehicle reported by Millburn police to have been connected with motor vehicle break-in attempts.

The vehicle was also determined to be stolen from Newark, police said.

When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, it took off at a high rate of speed, police said.

The vehicle was later found disabled on JFK Parkway in Millburn by the Millburn police.

Livingston and Millburn officers located the four occupants of the vehicle and arrested them, police said.

The four males were from Newark and ranged in age from 15 to 17.

All four were charged with resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, and joy riding, the Livingston police said.

In addition, the driver was charged with eluding police.

Three of the teens were released to family members, Millburn police said in their report. However, the driver "has an extensive history" and was taken to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.

Legislators said last year that gangs and car theft rings have been recruiting teens because there are few consequences for a first and second offense.

Legislators said that there were more than 14,000 car thefts in New Jersey in 2021, and the numbers are increasing each year.