By: Richard L. Smith
Two suspects found themselves in police custody after a stolen vehicle they were driving crashed during a high-speed pursuit.
Linden Police officials said the chain of events began shortly before 7:00 a.m., precisely at 6:51 a.m., when officers responded to multiple frantic calls reporting a red Porsche driving recklessly within the Aviation Plaza parking lot.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers quickly located the red Porsche, which was subsequently identified as stolen from New York.
When the officers attempted to approach the vehicle, it fled the parking lot at an alarming speed, prompting a pursuit.
However, this initial chase was swiftly terminated near the vicinity of W. 15th St.
Minutes later, officers once again spotted the stolen vehicle at the intersection of South Wood Avenue & Route 1.
A second pursuit ensued as officers tried to halt the vehicle's escape. The pursuit continued northbound on Route 1 until it ended abruptly with a collision at the intersection of Morses Mill Road.
The driver lost control of the stolen vehicle, crashing into the center median, rendering it immobile.
With the stolen vehicle disabled, two suspects fled on foot, climbing a fence into the Phillips 66 Refinery.
Officers persisted in their pursuit, successfully apprehending both suspects shortly afterward.
The driver of the vehicle struck during the pursuit was evaluated at the scene and declined further medical treatment.
One of the suspects, identified as 22-year-old Mr. Marc Pierre from Maplewood, faces multiple charges, including second-degree possession of a stolen motor vehicle, second-degree eluding, third-degree trespassing, and fourth-degree resisting arrest.
He has been remanded to the Essex County Jail pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court.
A 17-year-old male juvenile from Newark was also taken into custody, and juvenile complaints have been filed against him, including second-degree possession of a stolen motor vehicle, third-degree trespassing, and fourth-degree resisting arrest.
The juvenile was released to his guardian, awaiting a scheduled appearance in Family Court.