Stolen BMW Rams Scotch Plains Police Car Before Fleeing On Route 22, Crashing

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — The driver of a stolen BMW that police say rammed a Scotch Plains Police Officer's car was arrested and charged following a chase this past Sunday.

On Nov. 7, Scotch Plains Police Officers were called to the area of Seneca Place on a report of a suspicious black 2000 BMW with four people trying to break into parked cars, said Scotch Plains Police Captain Jeffrey J. Briel.

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While searching for the BMW, Westfield Police spotted the BMW which then tried to ram the officer's car, said Briel.

The vehicle was found on North Avenue by Scotch Plains Patrolman Zack VonLangen who tried to stop the BMW which fled and a pursuit began.

The BMW was confirmed to be stolen out of Watchung, said Briel.

The BMW fled through Westfield and became stuck in traffic in the area of New Providence Road in Mountainside. The BMW rammed a marked police car driven by Scotch Plains Patrolman Devon Turner causing damage to the vehicle, said Briel.

The BMW then fled onto Route 22 east before getting onto the Garden State Parkway in Union Township and ultimately crashing on Clermont Place in Irvington.

Scotch Plains Sgt. Brad Belford, Patrolman Willie Dejesus and Patrolman Devon Turner took all four people inside the BMW into custody.

The driver was identified as Tony A. Smith, 18, of Monroe. He was taken to University Hospital in Newark for injuries he received during the crash. Once released he was taken to headquarters and charged with eluding, aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and receiving stolen property and taken to the Union County jail.

Three juveniles inside the BMW were also taken into protective custody and released to their guardians.

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