Essex County law enforcement arrested a reported gang member who allegedly possessed semi-automatic handguns in a stolen car that he crashed in Newark, NJ.

The suspect is an 18-year-old East Orange man and reportedly is a member of the Bloods, a notorious street gang.

Essex County Sheriff’s officers were on patrol when they reportedly saw the suspect’s car, a 2017 Kia Optima, double-parked on a road in East Orange, NJ. Police checked on the vehicle and discovered that it was reported stolen out of Newark, New Jersey.

When the officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly sped off at a high rate of speed. Police pursued the car and eventually caught up when the car slammed into another vehicle on the roadway in Newark. The suspect’s car then left the road and struck a fence outside a construction site.

Four men allegedly exited the car and attempted to flee the area on foot. Police officers were able to arrest the main suspect.

A subsequent search of the suspect’s car allegedly turned up two loaded semi-automatic handguns.

The suspect was arrested and charged with numerous crimes, including unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a defaced weapon, receiving stolen property, and eluding police. The suspect was also issued traffic citations for double parking, driving without a valid license, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.

After being placed under arrest and charged, the suspect was taken to the Essex County Jail in Newark, NJ.

For further information about this case, see the NJ.com article, “Police Chase Leads to Arrest of Alleged Bloods Gang Member, Authorities Say.”