Two Bergen County men were busted for robbing Secaucus homes after crashing into a FedEx truck and then attempting to flee Wednesday morning, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On Wednesday at approximately 10:37 a.m., a Secaucus resident reported to the Secaucus police that two men in ski masks were committing thefts from residences in the “north end” of town, according to Police Chief Dennis Miller.
While enroute to the scene, Police Officer Kasey Kelly could hear the loud roar of a vehicle’s
engine from several blocks away, before he could even see the suspects’ 2005 black Honda
Accord.
The suspect vehicle then drove at excessively high rates of speeds, disregarded traffic control devices, and drove opposite the flow of traffic toward Route 3 West.
The 2005 black Honda Accord struck a curb and blew out a tire and the Honda was driving at over 80 mph on the rim on Route 3 West.
Due to the wanton disregard for the safety of the motoring public and the reckless manner which the vehicle was operating, Kelly pursued the vehicle.
The vehicle continued to drive recklessly, until it crashed into the rear of a FedEx truck the area of Route 3 West and the Main Street exit in Clifton.
Subsequent to the crash, the driver, Jordan Terry, 19, of Elmwood Park ran across all lanes of Route 3 West and crossed over the concrete barrier where he was struck by an oncoming
vehicle traveling on Route 3 East. He suffered minor injuries and was placed under arrest.
The passenger, Eliel Ortiz, 19, of Garfield fled and was arrested by members of the Secaucus PD and New Jersey State Police in the weeds a short distance from the vehicle.
Stolen property taken from residents of Secaucus was recovered from the suspects’ 2005 black Honda Accord, which was also bearing a stolen license plate. No civilians were injured as a result of the vehicle pursuit.
“I am thankful that nobody was truly injured in this incident. This incident is another example that the Secaucus Police Department will respond immediately to resident reports of criminal activity and apprehend criminals by lawful means,” Miller added.
“I want to thank the New Jersey State Police, Clifton and East Rutherford Police Departments along with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.”
Terry and Ortiz were each charged with obstructing the administration of law, resisting arrest, four counts of theft, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy to commit theft.
Additionally, Terry was charged with eluding and was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Per Criminal Justice Reform, Ortiz was released, pending his first appearance, authorities said.
