Crime & Safety

Arresting News on Stolen Car Chase

The following information was obtained directly from Middletown Township Police Department records. It does not indicate convictions.

The following is an update from Middletown Police Detective Steve Dollinger on yesterday’s car chase involving allegedly stolen vehicles:

On Sept. 22 1:10 p.m., police responded to a report of a theft of a motor vehicle in progress from a residence in the Belford section of Middletown.

Police received a call from the vehicle’s owner who reported observing a male subject steal his 2010 Audi from his driveway.

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The victim advised police that the subject was dropped off by another vehicle and then stole his. The victim then followed the vehicle west- bound on Route 36, while giving his location to police dispatchers.

Patrolman Keith Hirschbein spotted the stolen Audi and pursued the vehicle until it reached the Garden State Parkway, at which time police lost sight of the car.

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The second vehicle, a green Range Rover, crashed into a chiropractor’s office in Union Beach when the driver, identified as Priscilla Velazco, 26, of Livingston Avenue, Elizabeth, lost control of the car. She was then taken into custody.

The Range Rover had previously been reported stolen from Englewood, NJ.

Velazco was transported to police headquarters where she was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

She was released after posting $25,000 bail with a 10 percent option, set by Judge Richard Thompson. The second suspect, a male, has been identified as Jaime Fontanez, 34, of Livingston Avenue, Elizabeth, and is still wanted by police.

A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

The Middletown police were assisted by the Keansburg, Hazlet, Union Beach and Keyport police departments.


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