Chase Leads to Arrest of Suspected Car Thief

An alleged car thief who crashed and fled on foot on North Livingston Avenue early Wednesday morning was arrested by Livingston Police after trying to steal a getaway car.

Jerell Garcia, 19, of Newark, was arrested after the chain of events that began at 4 a.m. when Livingston Police Cpl. Bill Brennan noticed a car parked on Mayhew Drive with its lights on and motor running. The car was later identified as a 2000 Nissan Sentra stolen from Newark.

Garcia allegedly sped off after the officer briefly questioned him. Brennan pursued on North Ashby and Lincoln avenues and the suspect crashed onto the front lawn of a home on North Livingston Avenue when he was unable to make the turn, according to Det. Sgt. Anthony Dippold.

The chase continued as Garcia ran off on foot. Livingston Police and the Essex County Sherriff’s canine tracking dog searched the neighborhood.

Garcia was arrested after a nearby residence called police reporting a suspicious person on Trocha Avenue. The suspect allegedly tried to use an unlocked 1996 Honda Accord as a getaway car but was unsuccessful, Dippold said. The ignition was damaged in the attempt.

Garcia was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, attempted motor vehicle theft, eluding police, resisting arrest and possession of burglar tools. Livingston Municipal Court set bail at $50,000, which Garcia was unable to post. He was transported to Essex County Jail.