SECAUCUS, NJ – A high-stakes vehicle pursuit on February 7, 2024, led to the arrest of two individuals following a report of thefts from residences in Secaucus. At approximately 10:37 A.M., a local resident alerted the Secaucus Police to two males in ski masks engaging in theft in the town’s north end.
Officer Kasey Kelly, responding to the call, was alerted by the distinct sound of a vehicle’s engine, a 2005 black Honda Accord, speeding and engaging in reckless driving including running red lights and driving against traffic toward Route 3 West. The vehicle’s erratic journey came to a halt after crashing into a FedEx truck on Route 3 West near the Main Street exit in Clifton, after previously blowing out a tire and speeding on the rim at over 80 mph.
The driver, 19-year-old Jordan Terry from Elmwood Park, attempted to flee on foot across Route 3 West but was struck by a vehicle and sustained minor injuries before being arrested. The passenger, Eliel Ortiz, also 19, from Garfield, was apprehended by police in nearby weeds.
Both suspects were found with stolen property from Secaucus residents in the vehicle, which also had a stolen license plate.
No civilians were injured during the pursuit or subsequent arrests. Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller expressed relief that the incident did not result in serious injuries and commended the swift response of local law enforcement, including the New Jersey State Police, and the police departments of Clifton and East Rutherford, as well as the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, for their support in the apprehension of the suspects.