After Car Chase, 3 Charged With Shoplifting From Middletown Verizon

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Wednesday, after a police car chase down Middletown-Lincroft Road and tips called in from the public, Middletown Police arrested two New York City men, plus a 15-year-old teen boy, who police say had shoplifted from the local Verizon store on Rt. 35.

At 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Middletown Police Officer Tony Perito first responded to a 911 call of a shoplifting at the store at 747 Rt. 35.

A store employee reported that a singular man, described as African-American, entered the store and stole an Apple iPhone 14 that was on display. The man then fled in a black Nissan Maxima with Pennsylvania plates, which was occupied by additional subjects.

Approximately 15 minutes later, Middletown Police Officer Patrick Leonard was checking the Verizon store on Newman Springs Road in the Lincroft section, to warn employees there of what had just happened nearby.

While there, Officer Leonard observed the Nissan Maxima and initiated a motor vehicle stop. The driver refused to stop, and police began to pursue the vehicle, heading north on Middletown-Lincroft Road, said Middletown Police.

Out of concern for the public's safety, the pursuit was terminated by police in the area of Middletown-Lincroft Road and Nutswamp Road.

Then, information from concerned citizens led officers to believe that the suspect vehicle had driven into a side street off Nutswamp Road.

Middletown Police Officer Jason Andrews began patrolling the neighborhoods and located the suspect vehicle abandoned and unoccupied on Confield Court. Middletown Police began flooding the area, and three subjects were observed on Nutswamp Road in the area of South Lake Drive. Investigation on scene resulted in the arrest of the three men.

Illyas Bass, 34, of Fresh Meadow, NY, was charged with shoplifting, employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, contempt of court, eluding and numerous motor vehicle offenses. Bass was processed and lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a detention hearing.

Harris John, 35, of Jamaica, NY, was charged with shoplifting, employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, conspiracy, possession of oxycodone and possession of burglary tools. He too was lodged in the county jail pending a hearing.

Last, a 15-year-old juvenile boy from Brooklyn who was with them was taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief, shoplifting, possession of burglary tools and unlawful possession of a weapon. The juvenile was processed and released to a guardian pending a hearing in Monmouth County Family Court.

“This incident is a great example of the Middletown Police Department’s professionalism and dedication to our community," said Police Chief R. Craig Weber. "The work of these officers brought this case to a safe and successful conclusion. Additionally, we thank the members of the public who assisted us. The information and support we received proved very beneficial to our case and is greatly appreciated.”

If anyone has additional information, they are asked to contact the Middletown Police Detective Bureau at (732) 615-2120.