TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The Paramus Police Department announced on Aug. 2 the arrest of Terrence T. Smith, 19, of Newark, over the possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police.
On Monday, Aug. 2 at approximately 1:20 a.m. Paramus Police Officer Nicholas Tanelli observed a 2018 Audi SQ5 four-door pass him at a high rate of speed on Route 17 southbound.
Tanelli observed that the driver, later identified as Smith, was wearing a ski mask and black gloves. He also observed a front-seat passenger was wearing black gloves.
Tanelli attempted to stop the Audi in the area south of A&S Drive. The Audi then made a hard turn in to the Marshalls shopping center at 545 Route 17 south. The vehicle — which was later determined to be just stolen from Washington Township — struck several curbs and medians in the parking area between Marshalls and Chipotle.
At this point Tanelli was assisted by Sgt. Sean Nutland and Officer Josh Capizzi, both of the Paramus Police Department.
The suspect vehicle then made its way back onto Route 17 south. In the area of Midland Avenue the vehicle lost control and struck a utility pole disabling it. The front passenger ran from the vehicle and was able to escape. The driver, Smith, was immediately taken into custody.
A K-9 unit from the Bergen County Sheriff’s department assisted Paramus units in searching for the second suspect, who was not located.
Smith was arrested and transported by Paramus EMS to New Bridge Medical Center to be checked for possible injures from the crash.
He was later transported to Paramus Police Headquarters where he was booked and processed. He was then remanded to Bergen County Jail to await a bail hearing.
The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Township of Washington Police Department advises residents and their guests not leave their key fobs in their vehicles and that valuables are kept out of sight.
Ring Neighbors app
Separately, the Township of Washington Police Department notes it’s partnered with Ring, the video doorbell manufacturer, to participate in their Neighbors app, a free way for residents to receive real-time local crime and safety updates directly from their smartphones and to share recorded video with the department.
You do not need to have a Ring Device to be part of the Ring Neighbors app, which Ring launched as part of their mission to support safer neighborhoods and more connected communities.
The app network has millions of users across the nation and has already been instrumental in catching package thieves, stopping burglaries, and keeping neighborhoods safe. The Neighbors app is available for free on iOS, Android and FireOS devices.
Vacant house checks
The Township of Washington Police Department offers residents a vacant house check. See the department’s website for a form, fill it out, and bring the form to the Township of Washington Police Department.
The department says, “As a safety precaution, only tell those that need to know about your plans to be away, make arrangements to stop your deliveries, or have someone tend to them in your absence, and never post photos or make comments about being away from home on any social media sites, save your postings until you have arrived back home. Remember be safe and help protect your property.”
It adds, “Officers will make a daily attempt to check the security of your home. There is no guarantee that this daily check will actually occur due to daily call volume and other unforeseen circumstances.”
For more information call the WTPD at (201) 664-1140 or visit washtwppolice.org.