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Newark Teens Strike Hillside Patrol with Carjacked Vehicle; Both Arrested

Hillside Newark

Police in Hillside announced the arrest of two Newark teens accused of ensuing a police chase in a vehicle carjacked out of Newark.

Newark police were call to the area of Frelinghuysen Avenue and Empire Street just before 6 p.m. for a report of carjacking. Upon arrival, police spoke to the victim who told them that several black male suspects forced their way into his vehicle ordered him out before speeding away.

Officers canvassing the area spotted the vehicle and attempted to pull it over when the suspects rammed into a Newark Police cruiser, then continued to flee towards Hillside. No injuries were reported.

That's when officers in Hillside received an alert from the Newark Police Department about a carjacking involving a black 2003 BMW 325. Minutes later Hillside Officer Casterline patrolling the area, observed the vehicle in the area of North Broad Street.

The officer followed the vehicle - occupied by Yusan Powell, 18, (driver) and a 17-year-old male, both of Newark (passenger) - to the intersection on Williamson Avenue, where the vehicle was stopped in traffic.

As police attempted to block the vehicle from moving, Powell used the carjacked vehicle to strike the police car before speeding away on Grumman Avenue.

The police continued pursuit through various streets in Newark and into Weequahic Park.

As Powell tried to exit the park, he crashed into a tree in the area of Meeker and Elizabeth avenues.

The two occupants then fled on foot and were quickly apprehended by Hillside police officers.

The Newark Police Department was notified and arrived on the scene to tow the carjacked vehicle.

Powell was charged in Hillside with attempting to elude police, aggravated assault on a police officer (for ramming his car into a police car), receiving stolen property (the BMW), and resisting arrest.

The juvenile is charged with receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.

Both males were turned over to Newark police to face carjacking and other offenses they may have committed in their jurisdiction.

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