15-year-old charged after police chase in stolen car in Somerset County; one gun found

WARREN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – A 15-year-old Newark boy is facing charges including weapons offenses following a stolen motor vehicle pursuit and subsequent foot chase in Somerset County, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

On Wednesday, April 12, at around 12:55 a.m., Warren Township police officers located a stolen motor vehicle within the township and after initiating a motor vehicle stop the stolen vehicle fled the area at a high rate of speed towards Interstate 78, McDonald said.

Utilizing a tire deflation device, deployed by Warren Township officers, the vehicle became disabled and crashed on Interstate 78, at which time three individuals fled on foot, McDonald said.

Following a foot pursuit, the 15-year-old boy was taken into custody. An extensive search was then conducted, spanning several hours, with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, along with officers and canines from surrounding jurisdictions, yielding negative results for the other two suspects, McDonald said.

A subsequent search of the stolen vehicle yielded a handgun with a partially loaded high capacity magazine, McDonald said.

“It is important to note that there is no danger to the public at this time and the individuals are believed to have left the area in a stolen vehicle reported later that morning from Watchung, New Jersey. The investigation remains on-going by authorities,” McDonald said.

The boy was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a high-capacity magazine, and fourth-degree unlawful taking of means of conveyance. He was then lodged in the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center pending a Family Court appearance.

anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Warren Township Police Department at 908-753-1000, or Warren Township Police tip line at warrenpolice.com, or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.