By: Richard L. Smith
A high-speed police chase involving a stolen Mercedes-Benz GLE in Paramus culminated in multiple arrests after five individuals attempted to evade authorities in the early hours of Sunday, February 16, police reported. 
According to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti, the incident unfolded around 2:50 a.m. when Sgt. Sean Nutland spotted a 2017 white Mercedes-Benz GLE traveling north on Route 17 near Ridgewood Avenue.
After verifying that the vehicle had been reported stolen from Kearny, Nutland attempted to stop the driver.
However, instead of complying, the suspect made a U-turn onto Route 17 South at Linwood Avenue and accelerated in an attempt to flee.
As the chase continued, Officer Cesar Hurtado took charge of the pursuit, following the stolen SUV as it sped onto the Garden State Parkway South.
Near mile marker 154, the driver deliberately rammed two Paramus police vehicles, prompting officers to deploy pursuit intervention techniques to force the car to a stop.
When the SUV finally stopped, all five occupants abandoned it and attempted to escape on foot. Officers Cesar Hurtado and Ryan Cottrell pursued three individuals who ran into a wooded area after jumping a guardrail. They successfully captured Zi-Yahna Howard, 19, of Newark.
Meanwhile, Officers Michael Mordaga and Frank Licari apprehended Jason Thomas, 19, and the 17-year-old driver near the scene.
The remaining two suspects, juvenile male passengers aged 16 and 14, were located and arrested by New Jersey State Police near Garden State Parkway Exit 154.
Arrests and Charges
Authorities have identified the suspects and their charges as follows:
- Zi-Yahna Howard, 19 (Newark): Receiving stolen property, use of a juvenile in the commission of a crime, resisting arrest.
- Jason Thomas, 19 (Newark): Receiving stolen property, use of a juvenile in the commission of a crime, resisting arrest.
- Juvenile driver, 17 (Newark): Receiving stolen property, eluding, aggravated assault.
- Juvenile passenger, 16 (Newark): Joyriding, resisting arrest by flight.
- Juvenile passenger, 14 (Newark): Joyriding, resisting arrest by flight.
The two adult suspects were transported to Bergen County Jail, while the three juveniles were placed in a juvenile detention center.
The Paramus Police Department and New Jersey State Police continue investigating the case. No injuries were reported during the pursuit.
