A total of five people - including the 15-year-old Elizabeth teen driver - who police say led them on a stolen car chase in Linden were taken into custody last night.
Officers on patrol observed a 2003 Hyundai Elantra being driven erratically while driving southbound on Routes 1&9 at approximately 11:28 p.m yesterday, Captain James Sarnicki said.
A license plate check revealed the car was stolen.
Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over while activating their lights and siren but the Hyundai turned north on S. Wood Ave., drove through the Wendy’s parking lot, and attempted to evade the officers while traveling through several side streets.
The Hyundai disregarded a stop sign at W. Morris Ave. and Penn Place before coming to a dead-end on W. Morris Ave. Three of the vehicle’s occupants then attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by several back-up officers.
Al-Shaquan Griffin, 19, and Alyameen McCrary, 18, both of Elizabeth, were arrested and charged with receiving stolen property. McCrary was also charged with resisting arrest. Both were released on summonses.
The driver of the vehicle was a 15-year-old Elizabeth juvenile. He was charged with eluding police, receiving stolen property, and issued summonses for reckless driving and disregard of a stop sign.
He was sent to the Union County Juvenile Detention Facility in Linden.
The other two occupants were 17-year-old females from Elizabeth and Linden.
Both were charged with receiving stolen property and released to their parents pending juvenile action.