Police in Paramus are reporting the arrest of Mr. Terrence T. Smith, 19, of Newark for the possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police at 1:23 a.m. today.
Authorities said Paramus Police Officer Nicholas Tanelli observed a 2018 Audi SQ5 pass him, on Route 17 southbound, at a high rate of speed.
Paramus officials said Tanelli observed that the driver, later identified as Smith, wearing a ski mask and black gloves. The officer said he also observed a front seat passenger who wore black gloves.
According to Paramus authorities, Tanelli attempted to stop the Audi in the area south of A&S Drive when he saw the suspect's vehicle make a hard turn into the Marshall shopping center located at 545 Route 17 south.
The vehicle, which was later determined stolen from Washington Township, struck several curbs and medians in the parking between the Marshalls and the Chipotle store.
Police say Smith made his way back onto Route 17 South in the area of Midland Avenue, where the vehicle lost control and struck a utility pole, ultimately disabling the car.
According to police, the front passenger ran from the vehicle and was able to escape. Police said Smith -who was the driver- was immediately taken into custody. A K-9 Unit from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department assisted Paramus units in searching for the second suspect, who was not located.
Police arrested Smith then transported him by Paramus EMS to New Bridge Medical to be checked for possible injuries from the crash.
He was later transported to Paramus Police Headquarters, where he was booked and processed.
Mr. Smith is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.