Car Thief Sentenced After Wild Police Chase

MONTVILLE, NJ — Morris County Prosecutors Office officials have sentenced a Jersey City man after it was discovered that he was the driver of a stolen car used in a police chase two years ago. The 20-year-old offender, Nasir Moses, pleaded guilty to two charges in March, eluding and receiving stolen property, and was sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison on April 25.

On July 9, 2023, a Lincoln Park officer encountered a suspected stolen BMW driving on Route 202 in Montville. After the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle fled and eventually exceeded speeds of 90 mph, authorities said. A high-speed chase ensued, and ultimately ended after the vehicle spun out of control on Route 287 North.

Five occupants exited the vehicle and fled across the highway and into the woods. Police pursued and eventually arrested four of the five passengers, with Moses being the only suspect escaping, according to officials. Authorities said that after a thorough investigation, it was discovered that Moses was the one behind the wheel.

Police added that the vehicle was reported stolen in New York, and that it contained “numerous items of stolen property.”

The BMW’s occupants included Diyana Graham, 21, and Nashawn Holmes, 18, both from Newark. Graham pled guilty to one count of fourth degree resisting arrest and was sentenced to 60 days of jail credit, 18 months of probation, and 50 community service hours. Holmes pled guilty to one count of third degree receiving stolen property and was sentenced to 10 days of jail credit, 18 months of probation, and 50 hours of community service.

The remaining two occupants were juveniles and their identities were not released. They each were charged with unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, resisting arrest by flight, and conspiracy to receive stolen property.

Moses was eventually arrested for an unrelated offense in Bergen County and transferred to Morris County Correctional Facility in September 2024 where his trial began. Moses is serving five years in New Jersey State Prison on the eluding offense which is running concurrently with three years for the receiving stolen property offense. His current max release date is January 11, 2028, and he is eligible for parole on July 24, 2025, according to the New Jersey State Prison.

“Prosecutor (Robert) Carroll would like to acknowledge the Montville Police Department, Lincoln Park Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, specifically former MCPO Det. Joseph Ellis, for their efforts in this successful prosecution,” an MCPO statement read.