By: Richard L. Smith
Union Township police are continuing to investigate a dramatic high-speed chase that led to the arrest of six individuals, including a suspect wanted for a shooting in Newark.
The pursuit unfolded on December 17th, around 12:55 p.m., after members of the Quality of Life (QoL) unit identified a speeding vehicle on Route 22 that turned out to be stolen, according to information released by the Union Township Police Department.
The chase began when officers attempted to stop the 2017 Acura MDX, reported stolen earlier that day in Belleville.
The driver, later identified as Mr. Ahzir Williams, 19, of Newark, accelerated, leading police through Union, Hillside, Irvington, and Newark before crashing on Lyons Avenue.
The SUV flipped onto its roof, bringing the pursuit to a chaotic end. All six occupants of the vehicle—five juveniles and one adult—were taken into custody, according to Union Township police.
The incident resulted in minor injuries. One juvenile was treated at a hospital for a leg injury, while two motorists at the crash site reported pain but did not suffer serious harm.
Inside the overturned SUV, police discovered a woman’s purse, credit cards, and other items believed to have been stolen.
Detectives are working to identify the owners of the recovered property and determine how and where the theft occurred.
Williams, the alleged driver, faces multiple charges, including possession of the stolen vehicle, eluding police, and assault related to the injuries sustained by other motorists.
He is also wanted in Passaic and Somerset counties for auto theft-related crimes and was transported to Union County Jail.
The juveniles face charges for possessing the stolen car. One of the minors, who was wanted for a Newark shooting, was handed over to Newark Police Department detectives.
Another juvenile was found in possession of stolen credit cards, prompting detectives to investigate further.
Union Township police emphasized their commitment to maintaining public safety, particularly during the holiday season, with increased patrols across the area. “Our officers are working hard to keep our residents safe,” they stated in their release.
The investigation remains ongoing.