Car Thief Caught After High Speed Chase, Crash: Westfield Police

WESTFIELD, NJ - A 28-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged with burglary and theft after leading authorities on a high speed chase in a stolen car, according to the Westfield Police Department.

According to authorities, Malik Q. Smith stole a vehicle from the driveway of a Michael Drive residence early Thursday morning. Officers responding to the reported incident shortly before 6 a.m. observed the stolen vehicle fleeing the area at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle was apparently left running unattended in the driveway of the residence for a brief period of time, police said.

Officer Eric Popleik pursued the stolen vehicle into Newark via Route 22, before relinquishing his primary position in the pursuit to other participating law enforcement agencies. Smith eventually crashed in the area of Elizabeth and Wilbur Avenues in the Weequahic section of Newark and was apprehended, police said.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro credited the initial actions of Popleik with resulting in the eventual arrest of Smith by Hillside Police following the crash in Newark.

Smith has been charged by Westfield Police with 3rd degree Burglary and Theft. He has additionally been charged by both Mountainside and Hillside Police with 2nd degree Eluding and 4th degree Receiving Stolen Property.

“I cannot stress enough that we cannot become complacent with the safety and security of our property,” said Battiloro. “These high speed pursuits are extremely dangerous. Officer Popleik is to be commended for the manner in which he handled this situation."

Anyone with further information relating to this incident is asked to contact Detective Nicholas Bruno of the Westfield Police Department at 908-789-6078.

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