Newark New Jersey police recently arrested a man who allegedly caused a car accident while fleeing from law enforcement. According to law enforcement, the suspect later claimed that he was not the driver and that he had been the victim of a carjacking.

The car crash occurred around 1:00 a.m. Members of the Newark Police Department Special Enforcement Unit were on patrol in the area around the Betty Shabazz housing complex in Newark when they reportedly observed the suspect driving a Nissan and speeding. The suspect reportedly hit the gas pedal when he saw the Newark police officers following him and flashing their patrol vehicle emergency lights.

The Newark detectives chased after the suspect. The chase soon ended when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a car parked along Avon Avenue near South 10th Street.

Newark NJ police officers apprehended two female passengers in the car, but the suspect managed to get away from law enforcement.

The two female passengers, both of whom are minors, received medical treatment for minor injuries sustained in the car crash.

Meanwhile, Newark police conducted a search of the motor vehicle and reportedly found 50 grams of marijuana, as well as a semi-automatic handgun.

A few hours later, Newark New Jersey police located the suspect. According to authorities, the suspect lied and said that he was not actually the driver of the car at the time of the crash. Instead, said the suspect, he was carjacked mere moments before the accident.

The suspect was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including illegal possession of a handgun, simple possession of marijuana, eluding police, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief. The suspect has also been charged with filing a false police report because he reportedly did not tell the truth when claiming to be a carjacking victim.

For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Man Lied about Carjacking after Drugs, Gun found in Vehicle, Police Say.”