Car Crash In Cranford Ends In Arrest Of Union County Man

CRANFORD, NJ — An Elizabeth man was arrested after crashing a stolen Mercedes in Cranford early Wednesday morning, according to police.

Cranford Officer Ali Muhammad observed a white Mercedes, which was reported suspicious by a Blake Avenue resident, driving recklessly on Walnut Avenue at around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Before he could conduct a motor vehicle stop, the driver of the Mercedes, 18-year-old Tyquil Baldwin of Elizabeth, crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of South Avenue and High Street, according to Cranford Police.

After crashing, Baldwin fled on foot as Officer Muhammad broadcasted the description of the suspect to responding units, police said. Baldwin was ultimately caught by Captain Guy Patterson after a lengthy foot chase through several back yards.

Police said the driver of the second vehicle was rushed to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The recovered Mercedes was later determined to have been stolen from Clark, as it was left unoccupied and running in a driveway, police said.

Baldwin was charged with second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree eluding, third-degree receiving stolen property, and fourth-degree resisting arrest.

Baldwin was sent to the Union County Jail where he awaits a detention hearing.

Chief Greco commended the officers involved in this investigation and warned residents about motor vehicle thefts during colder seasons.

"We often see an uptick in early morning motor thefts during the winter months as people commonly will let their cars warm up in the driveway," he said.