Police in Elizabeth arrested a 31-year-old North Bergen man after they say he crashed a stolen car on an Elizabeth Street then took and hit a second vehicle that injured a witness who attempted to stop him as he fled the scene.
According to a statement released by Elizabeth Public Information Officer Kelly Martin, at approximately 4:18 p.m. officers received a report of an accident at Elizabeth Avenue and Prospect Street that involved two vehicles, a stolen 1995 Toyota and a 1994 pickup, driven by a 68-year-old Elizabeth man. The driver of the stolen vehicle fled on foot.
Public Information Officer Martin said shortly after, at approximately 4:27 p.m., a woman reported that her 2014 Honda had been stolen from the 800 block of Second Avenue. The description of the suspect fit the same description of the driver in the previous accident.
According to Martin, at 4:34 p.m. an accident at Third Street and Inslee Place was reported, where the 2013 Honda crashed into a tow truck and another Honda. After a few minutes, the vehicle started moving again and fled the scene, striking a witness to the accident who attempted to stop the suspect.
The suspect, Mr. Jahaziel Rodriguez, 31, of North Bergen, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault in the 2nd Degree; Receiving stolen property in the 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, Theft in the 3rd Degree, Aggravated Assault in the 3rd Degree, Aggravated Assault in the 4th Degree and Simple Assault Public Safety Officer Martin said.
Police said the suspect was also issued numerous motor vehicle summons.
Photos: Charlie Rivas