LINDEN, NJ – A 20-year-old man was arrested this morning after he was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash while operating a stolen motor vehicle.
Just before 3:00 a.m on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Officers responded to the intersection of N. Wood Ave and Gesner St on reports of a serious motor vehicle crash.
According to preliminary reports, a 2009 Nissan Altima was traveling south on N. Wood Ave when the driver lost control and collided with a utility pole. A 16-year-old female was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. A second passenger, an 18-year-old man from Union, was also injured. Both passengers were treated on scene and transported to Newark University Hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
A subsequent investigation determined that the vehicle was stolen in Union earlier that morning. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Brucely Bertin from Union, was treated on scene for minor injuries prior to his arrest.
Bertin is charged with third degree receiving stolen property and third degree endangering the welfare of a minor, as well as fourth degree assault by auto. He was released on a summons pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court.
This incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Linden Police Traffic Bureau at (908) 474-8505.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.