Bergen Car Chase: 3 Teens Hospitalized, Cops Say

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Three teenage boys were hospitalized after a high-speed police pursuit that ended in Bergen County, according to authorities.

The juveniles were driving a stolen SUV through Hudson County just after midnight Wednesday when they were spotted by police, resulting in a pursuit that ended with the teens crashing into a tree in Little Ferry, authorities said.

"I support my officers' decisions here, as they acted within the confines of pursuit policy," said Dennis Miller, chief of Secaucus police — who had chased the teens (two aged 17, one aged 16) through the town, and through Moonachie and into the Bergen borough.

"But let's be clear, the injuries sustained by these juveniles were a direct result of their delinquent behavior," Miller said.

The stolen Dodge, out of Weehawken, had reached speeds above 80 mph down the highway, and led officers through at least three towns before crashing at 31 Liberty Street, the chief said.

The Jersey City teens got out and further tried to run away from police but were arrested shortly thereafter, thanks in part to Little Ferry police and a K9, he added.

Each of the three juveniles was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit the same. One of the 17-year-old boys and the 16-year-old were also charged with resisting arrest by flight. All were released to a parent or guardian, police said.

Chief Miller said that additional charges will be filed and that the investigation is ongoing. He noted also that one of the juveniles had just been arrested on similar charges in April, and that the trio is believed to have been involved in other car thefts in the area.

“Most car thieves, regardless of age, are recidivist offenders who will continue to commit crimes until our criminal justice system holds them accountable," Miller said.