Westfield home break-in suspect caught after high-speed chase and crash
Westfield, NJ – An 18-year-old Newark man is facing multiple charges after a high-speed police pursuit that ended in a crash and arrest, following an early morning burglary attempt at a Westfield home earlier this week.
Uniformed officers and plainclothes units assigned to an overnight crime detail responded around 5:34 a.m. Monday to a report of suspects trying to break into a home on the 200 block of Seneca Place. The suspects fled before police arrived, but officers quickly spotted a fleeing silver 2014 Hyundai Sonata — later confirmed stolen out of Irvington — and initiated a pursuit.
The chase moved east along Dudley Avenue and north on Mountain Avenue toward Mountainside. Westfield officers terminated their pursuit after leaving their jurisdiction, but the chase was picked up by Mountainside and Union police, continuing east on Route 22 into Hillside. There, the vehicle crashed near Bloy Street and Yale Avenue, and the suspects bailed out.
One of the suspects, identified as Abdul Hakim Y. White, 18, was taken into custody by Hillside officers. Initially, White gave false identifying information and claimed to be a juvenile. He was charged with hindering apprehension and later turned over to Westfield police for further investigation.
White was subsequently released to Maplewood police, who were investigating other related burglaries. During questioning, White admitted to targeting high-end vehicles during residential break-ins — including the Westfield burglary, where a 2024 black BMW parked in the driveway was the intended target.
Westfield detectives later confirmed White’s involvement. Investigators say he used a crowbar to break in through a first-floor window in an effort to steal the car’s key fob. He has now been formally charged with burglary and will be served the criminal complaint at Essex County Jail, where he remains in custody.
Police Chief Christopher Battiloro credited the joint efforts of the Mountainside, Union, and Hillside departments in capturing White. The Westfield Police Department continues to conduct overnight patrols in areas affected by a recent increase in vehicle-related crimes.
—
Key Points
- Newark man charged with burglary after Westfield break-in and police chase
- Suspect crashed stolen Hyundai in Hillside following multi-town pursuit
- Admitted to targeting high-end vehicles including BMW in Westfield driveway
