Bernardsville Police Spot Stolen Car From Short Hills, But Aren't Allowed To Pursue It

MILLBURN, NJ — The Bernardsville Police Department said Monday that they spotted a "suspicious" vehicle in the township in the wee hours of Sunday morning, but when it sped off, they avoided a pursuit. They later found out it had been stolen from the Short Hills section of Millburn.

Sunday at 4:30 a.m., police who were on patrol spotted a suspicious vehicle on Anderson Hill Road, they said. They subsequently attempted to stop the car, a 2018 BMW X5, nearby on Mine Brook Road.

The vehicle drove off at a high rate of speed. But it was not pursued, in accordance with New Jersey State Attorney General Guidelines for Police Pursuits, the police said.

The vehicle was later determined to have been stolen from a resident in Short Hills.

The police pursuit guidelines help police determine whether a chase is too risky, considering the extent of the crime, danger to officers and bystanders, and whether the suspect may be arrested later.

"The Task Force believed that in the final analysis, pursuit of stolen cars, like other serious crimes, must be left to the discretion of the police officer," states the guidelines. "Of course, the policy makes it clear that if there are other viable means to apprehend a car thief, or if there is a fair likelihood that the car thief can and will be apprehended within a reasonable future time, or if the risks involved in the pursuit are simply too substantial, then a vehicular pursuit should be avoided."

The day before, on Christmas, around 2:17 p.m., a resident of Anderson Road in Bernardsville reported that a visitor to the residence had had his vehicle stolen from the driveway, a black 2021 Audi Q7 worth $69,000. The car was unlocked with a key fob inside, as well as a wallet and cash.

Area Of The Thefts

Police are asking residents in the area of the reported thefts to review any security cameras recordings they may have to see if they captured any information that might aid police in these investigations. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Department at 908-766-0037.

In an effort to remind people to secure their vehicles, the Police Department periodically distributes crime prevention tips along with LOCK IT or LOSE IT key chains. The material is available at Police Headquarters, the Bernardsville Library, and randomly selected businesses throughout town.

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