Stolen Car Driver Eludes Police Twice in One Day

A driver in a stolen vehicle was twice able to elude authorities last week, Verona Police said.

A car matching the description of one stolen from West Caldwell was spotted in Verona last Friday, police said. Sgt. Tim Banta saw a grey Audi traveling westbound on Bloomfield Avenue at about 1:10 a.m. Friday, checked its license plate and determined it was the stolen vehicle. 

Banta followed the vehicle westbound on Bloomfield Avenue into Caldwell, but the vehicle failed to stop after he activated his siren, police said.

The stolen vehicle picked up speed and headed back eastbound on Bloomfield Avenue into Verona and turned southbound on Lakeside Avenue, police said. The Audi was last seen by West Orange Police on Interstate 280 at exit 11, police said.

Several hours later, the Audi was spotted again in Verona at about 6:10 a.m., police said. Officer Ron Thorward saw the Audi going east on Bloomfield near Linn Drive. According to the statement, the driver again realized he was being followed and accelerated to a high rate of speed eastward and was able to elude authorities.

Police said the grey vehicle was last seen traveling southbound on Lakeside Avenue into West Orange.

Anyone who sees the car or has any information can reach Verona Police at 973-857-4809.