Stolen Car Suspect Flees Police, Hides In Dumpster In Mahwah: Police

MAHWAH, NJ — A teenager accused of driving a stolen SUV led Mahwah police on a vehicle and foot chase early Friday that ended shortly after he was found hiding in a dumpster, police Capt. Guido Bussinelli said.

Sergio Pierce, 18, of Newark, was seen driving a BMW X7, which was reported stolen out of New York Wednesday, in Mahwah's Rio Vista community just after 2 a.m. Friday. As an officer approached, Pierce sped off; police, however, were able to place tire deflation devices at the exit, which he then drove over, Bussinelli said.

Still, Pierce continued to drive off onto Route 202 North, with officers in pursuit, and then onto Route 17 South for approximately a half-mile before both of the driver's side tires began to deflate, police said.

Pierce pulled over on Route 17 at MacArthur Boulevard, where he, and two passengers, got out of the vehicle and ran away. He failed to put the SUV in park, causing the vehicle to hit a marked patrol vehicle, police said.

He was found hiding in the dumpster off of McKee Drive, and, after trying to run away a second time, was apprehended by police, while the two passengers eluded officers and are still at large, police said.

Pierce was charged with receiving stolen property, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest, hindering apprehension (false date of birth), and multiple motor vehicle violations. He was taken to the Bergen County Jail pending an initial court hearing.

As of Friday morning, police continue to investigate and look for the other two suspects, Bussinelli said.