SECAUCUS, N.J. — A Newark man accused of stealing a resident’s car and ramming multiple police vehicles during his escape attempt was arrested this week, authorities said.
Rakim Thompson, 29, was taken into custody on February 20 by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office after a months-long investigation by Secaucus Police. The incident began on June 5, 2024, when a resident reported their 2022 Audi Q3 being stolen from their Valley Court driveway around 1:02 a.m.
Secaucus Police Officer Dwight Wise located the stolen vehicle on the Maple Street ramp, where Thompson allegedly rammed several marked police vehicles—one of which was occupied—to evade capture. He then fled onto the New Jersey Turnpike, leading Secaucus Police Officer Salvatore Manente Jr. on a high-speed chase before officers lost sight of the vehicle near Route 80 West, forcing them to terminate the pursuit.
A follow-up investigation identified Thompson as the suspect, leading to an arrest warrant. “Because the criminal element works tirelessly to prey on our residents, my detectives will work twice as hard to bring them to justice, and this arrest is evidence of just that,” Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said, commending his officers and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts.
Thompson faces charges of theft of a motor vehicle, eluding, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail.