High-Speed Chase Of Stolen Car In Berkeley Heights Ends In Arrest

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — A high-speed chase of a stolen car began on I-78 and ended with a crash in Watchung Reservation and the arrest of two men early Friday morning, Berkeley Heights Police report.

The chase began on Feb. 22 when Sgt. Michael Gallaro saw a 2014 Kia Soul speeding in excess of 90 miles per hour and exiting onto Drift Road (exit 41), Berkeley Heights Capt. Robert Deitch said.

The vehicle continued to drive in a "reckless" manner, failing to stop at stop signs and red traffic lights, and was found to be stolen on Feb. 19 from Irvington, Deitch said.

When Gallaro tried to stop the car, the driver, Jianae Oaks, 23, from East Orange, refused starting a chase until he lost control of the vehicle on SkyTop Drive in the Watchung Reservation and became disabled, Deitch said.

Both Oaks and Antonio Seabrooks, 37, from Newark were arrested without further incident.

Oaks was charged with second-degree eluding, third-degree receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and nine motor vehicle summonses. Under New Jersey Bail Reform, Oaks was placed into the custody of the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Seabrooks was charged with third-degree receiving stolen property, third-degree possession of cocaine, third-degree possession of heroin and disorderly persons offense possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Under New Jersey Bail Reform, Seabrooks was placed into the custody of the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

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