Authorities in Middlesex County announced the arrest of Mr. Robert Raymond Piel Jr., 23, of Bayonne.
Prosecutor Robertson stated on Thursday, September 14, at approximately 3:09 p.m. a Patrol Sergeant with the Branchburg Township Police Department attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop of a grey Nissan Altima traveling northbound on Lamington Road for various traffic violations including speeding.
The vehicle failed to stop and continued traveling at a high rate of speed according to Middlesex County Authorities.
The Patrol Sergeant subsequently terminated the pursuit within a few minutes on Rattlesnake Bridge Road in Bedminster Township.
Further investigation into the vehicle and the operator revealed that the vehicle had recently been “traded” in Branchburg Township by the vehicle's registered owner and a male who was later identified as Robert Raymond Piel Jr.
The “trade” which consisted of exchanging vehicles was agreed upon via social media.
It was subsequently discovered that the documents provided to the owner of the Nissan Altima by Piel Jr. during the “trade” were fraudulent.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Monday, October 18, the same Nissan Altima which fled from Branchburg Police was observed in Essex County being operated by Piel Jr. who was subsequently arrested on unrelated charges.
On October 21, police said defendant Piel Jr.was formally charged by Branchburg Police with Eluding and Theft by Deception.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that defendant Piel Jr. was charged with 2nd degree Eluding and 3rd degree Theft by Deception.
The Somerset County charges were lodged on defendant Piel Jr. as a detainer.
Defendant Piel Jr. was lodged at the Essex County Jail.
Prosecutor Robertson and Chief Fodor request anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Branchburg Police Department at (908) 526-3830 or via the STOPit app.