Stolen Car Jumps Railroad Tracks and Flips During NJ Police Chase

Stolen Car Jumps Railroad Tracks and Flips During NJ Police Chase

MANTUA TOWNSHIP, NJ — A chaotic series of events involving multiple stolen vehicles and fleeing suspects unfolded overnight in Mantua Township, prompting a large multi-agency police response and ending in a dramatic crash.

Police say the incident began as officers were dispatched to reports of suspicious activity. While units were en route, additional calls came in reporting similar incidents in the same area.

Patrolman Andrew Glaser soon located a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Lestershire Drive, where multiple suspects were reportedly attempting to break into vehicles. As soon as the suspects spotted the patrol car, they fled the scene, jumping into the Jeep and speeding away.

Glaser attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop, but the driver refused to pull over and fled toward Willingboro. As the situation escalated, officers identified additional stolen vehicles in the area — including a black sedan believed to be a Hyundai and a Kia — which also fled from police.

Authorities say multiple pursuits unfolded simultaneously:

Patrolman Glaser pursued the Jeep and black sedan onto Route 55 North. Sgt. William Donovan pursued the Kia.

The most serious incident occurred when the Kia turned onto Mercer Avenue and accelerated at a high rate of speed. Police say the vehicle then launched over railroad tracks, traveling approximately 150 feet before overturning onto its roof at the end of West Mercer Avenue.

Following the crash, the suspects inside the Kia fled on foot. One juvenile suspect was quickly located in the area of West Atlantic Avenue and Grey Fox Circle and transported to Cooper Hospital for evaluation.

Due to the dangerous and rapidly evolving situation, authorities terminated the pursuit on Route 55 shortly after the crash.

Several law enforcement agencies assisted in the response, including West Deptford, Deptford Township, Pitman, Harrison Township, the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, the Woodbury Police K-9 Unit, and the Rowan University Drone Unit.

The investigation remains active, and police say additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Police Reminder to Residents:

Authorities are urging residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables, and remain vigilant to help deter similar crimes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Greg Sweeney at gsweeney@mantuatownship.com.