Secaucus Police Chase Suspect Through Houlihan's Complex

SECAUCUS, NJ — There was a brief, but dramatic, police chase last Tuesday, Dec. 19 as Secaucus police chased a shoplifting suspect through the area of Houlihan's, LA Fitness and Starbucks.

The incident started at 2:35 p.m. last Tuesday, Dec. 19 when Secaucus police received a call from the TJ Maxx that a man had allegedly shoplifted from the store. When police got to the store, the suspect had fled but store security gave officers a description.

Police saw a man matching that description in the immediate area and chased him. The man ran across Harmon Meadow Blvd., past the LA Fitness and into the 700 Plaza Drive complex, said Secaucus police Capt. Dennis Miller. Police chased him all throughout that complex, which includes the Houlihan's, Red Lobster, Starbucks and more. They lost sight of him in the interior courtyard and officers began checking inside each store.

They found clothing he had discarded inside Cosi's, Capt. Miller said. Moments later, the man was found running towards West Side Avenue on the Secaucus-Jersey City border. Jonathan Gomez, 24, of Union City was arrested, and charged with shoplifting, hindering apprehension and resisting arrest.

He was arrested at 3:05 p.m., meaning the entire pursuit lasted just over 30 minutes, Capt. Miller said. But anyone in that area last Tuesday may have noticed a large police presence, as there were multiple squad cars and officers on foot in the area.

Gomez was already wanted by police for outstanding warrants out of Union City and Weehawken.

Image of 700 Plaza Drive in Secaucus via Google Earth.