PARAMUS, NJ – A 14-year-old boy and his two accomplices were apprehended by authorities after the boy rammed a stolen SUV into a police vehicle in Paramus.
According to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti, the stolen 2020 BMW X7 was reported missing during a burglary in Marlboro, a town located over 50 miles away in affluent Monmouth County.
The motor vehicle crash took place shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Monday, July 24.
The teen, behind the wheel of the stolen SUV, spotted Officer Perna, and without hesitation, accelerated towards the officer’s cruiser.
Swift thinking by Officer Perna, who turned his wheel in time, prevented serious injury when the teen lost control of the SUV, causing it to collide with the police car’s left front side. The BMW finally came to a halt on the lawn of a residence on Ehret Street.
In the aftermath of the crash, Officer Hugo Rodriguez was able to apprehend the fleeing driver.
Meanwhile, Officers Timothy Erstling and Connor Nutland, during their patrol, spotted and managed to detain one of the rear passengers, who attempted to escape by jumping over a backyard fence.
To ensure the capture of the remaining suspects, a perimeter was established, and assistance was sought from the Bergen County Sheriff’s K-9 unit. K-9 Max, along with his handler, Sheriff’s Officer Ryan O’Neil, were deployed to assist in tracking down the two other passengers.
The collective efforts of the Paramus Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office resulted in all three suspects being successfully apprehended after the chaotic car crash and subsequent foot pursuit.
The 14-year-old boy faces serious charges related to the theft and assault on law enforcement officers.