3 Teens Charged Following Crash Of Stolen Car In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A stolen car crashed into a utility pole and caught fire during an attempted traffic stop on Route 53 south early Wednesday morning, according to police.

Following the crash, three Essex County teenagers were arrested and charged with the unlawful taking of a means of conveyance and resisting arrest before being released to family members pending a future court date.

In addition, two of the three juveniles were treated and released from St. Clare's Hospital/Denville and Morristown Medical Center for minor injuries.

Around 4 a.m., Denville police observed a black Mercedes-Benz traveling east on Route 46 that matched the description of a vehicle stolen from Parsippany earlier that evening, according to police.

The vehicle quickly accelerated and traveled onto Route 53 south as the officer pulled out behind it.

According to police, the driver of the fleeing car failed to make a turn near the Durban Avenue intersection, causing the vehicle to leave the road and collide with a utility pole and hydrant. According to them, the impact caused the pole to snap and the wires it carried to fall to the ground.

"The five occupants of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle and fled on foot as the vehicle caught on fire," police said. "After a search of the surrounding area, three of the vehicle’s five occupants were located and taken into custody."

A 16-year-old boy from Irvington, a 16-year-old boy from Newark and a 15-year-old boy from Newark were among those apprehended, police said.

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone who may have any information regarding this incident or the identities of the two remaining suspects is asked to contact Det. Scott Tobin of the Denville Police Department at (973)-627-4900 x 350.