UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ—Three teenagers were charged following an early Tuesday police chase on the Garden State Parkway that resulted in a damaged patrol car, authorities reported. The pursuit began just before 5:00 AM when Upper Saddle River police started tailing a stolen 2023 Honda Civic along Route 17, which later merged onto the Garden State Parkway South.
The chase escalated as Paramus police joined the pursuit. The stolen vehicle eventually lost control, with the driver intentionally striking a marked patrol car before crashing in the parkway’s south lanes, according to borough police Chief Robert M. Guidetti.
Post-crash, while four occupants attempted to flee, three juveniles were quickly captured by Paramus officers.
The arrested teens were from Newark, Orange, and Paterson, noted Chief Guidetti. Despite the dramatic events, no police officers were injured. The three teenagers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
Charges were promptly filed, with the 15-year-old driver being accused of possession of a stolen vehicle, assaulting a police officer, and eluding authorities. His companions, aged 15 and 16, were charged with joyriding, Chief Guidetti added.
