Stolen BMW I-78 Chase Leads To 4 Arrested In Somerset County

WARREN, NJ — Four men were arrested following a chase of a stolen BMW through Warren onto Interstate 78 on Thursday, said Warren Township Chief of Police Robert W. Ferreiro.

On Thursday at around 2 a.m., police got an alert from an automated license plate reader that a stolen BMW X3 entered the township.

Warren Township and Bernards Township police officers found the BMW within minutes in the area of Liberty Corner Road, said Ferreiro.

The BMW reportedly fled, and officers began a chase.

Officers used tire deflation devices during the chase, however the BMW continued to drive onto I-78 Eastbound, said Ferreiro.

The chase continued for several miles on I-78 before the BMW became disabled near Exit 40.

The driver, identified by police as Kaleem N. Blue, 20, of Newark, then ran away on foot and was apprehended after a brief chase, said Ferreiro.

Three other men, identified as Shamel S. Souvenir, 19, Brandon A. Brown-Shaw, 24, and Al-Rahman I. Howard, 18, all of Newark, also tried to run away but were blocked and taken into custody, said police.

Blue was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, conspiracy to receive a stolen motor vehicle, eluding, resisting arrest, credit card theft and possession of burglar’s tools.

Souvenir, Brown-Shaw and Howard were each charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, conspiracy to receive a stolen motor vehicle and possession of burglar’s tools.

"Let these arrests serve as a clear warning to anyone having the intention of victimizing our residents. Our officers are proactive, our residents are vigilant, and we will not allow our community to become a target for criminal activity," said Ferreiro.

"Those who choose to engage in criminal behavior here should expect an immediate and decisive response from the Warren Township Police Department. We will continue to work closely with our municipal, county, state, and federal partners to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who threaten our safety and security,"said Ferreiro.

The Warren Township Police Department thanked the Bernards Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police for helping with the chase.

Anyone with additional information can contact Warren Township police at 908-753-1000, use the STOPit app with access code SOMERSETNJ, or contact the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.