Boy, 13, accused in 14 car thefts in New Jersey; faces 41 charges: police

Erin Pflaumer
·2 min read
1
Boy, 13, accused in 14 car thefts in New Jersey; faces 41 charges: police

BAYONNE, N.J. (PIX11) – A 13-year-old boy is accused of stealing six cars and trying to take several others during a two-month crime spree in New Jersey, authorities said Friday.

In total, the teen was charged in connection to 14 car thefts and burglaries of Kias and Hyundais in February and March, according to the Bayonne Police Department. The boy allegedly broke into the cars through a window and tampered with the steering column.

The teenager was taken into custody following an incident on March 4 near Islandview Court in Bayonne, according to authorities. A woman told officers she witnessed her 2015 Hyundai being driven away around 8:30 p.m. after she heard a loud bang and went to look out her apartment window, police said.

Former gang member accused of killing, dismembering Bronx man

Police said a short time later, officers on West 48th Street saw the 2015 Hyundai speeding. They tried to stop the car, but the teen allegedly refused to comply and a pursuit began, according to authorities.

The 2015 Hyundai eventually stopped on West 51st Street, which is a dead end, police said. The boy allegedly got out of the car and tried to run before he was apprehended in a backyard, according to authorities.

While looking for the 2015 Hyundai, officers found an unoccupied 2013 Hyundai with its engine running in the area, according to authorities. The car had a broken side window and the steering column had been tampered with, police said.

The 2013 Hyundai matched the description of a vehicle reported stolen from West 8th Street, before the theft of the 2015 Hyundai, according to authorities.

In some of the incidents, the boy would allegedly steal the car and abandon it the same day in Jersey City, according to authorities.

The boy was charged with motor vehicle theft, attempted motor vehicle theft, burglary, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, and eluding police. He’s facing a total of 41 charges, according to authorities.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.