On February 7, 2024, at 10:37 A.M., a Secaucus resident reported to the Secaucus Police that two males in ski-masks were committing thefts from residences in the “north end” of Secaucus. While enroute to the scene, Police Officer Kasey Kelly could hear the loud roar of a vehicle’s engine from several blocks away, before he could even see the suspects’ 2005 black Honda Accord. The suspect vehicle then drove at excessively high rates of speeds, disregarded traffic contol devices and drove opposite the flow of traffic toward Route 3 West.
The 2005 black Honda Accord struck a curb and blew out a tire and the Honda was driving at over 80 mph on the rim on Route 3 West. Due to the wanton disregard for the safety of the motoring public and the reckless manner which the vehicle was operating, Police Officer Kelly pursued the vehicle. The vehicle continued to drive recklessly, until it crashed into the rear of a Fedex truck the area of Route 3 West and the Main Street exit in Clifton.
Subsequent to the crash, the driver, Jordan, Terry, 19, of Elmwood Park ran across all lanes of Route 3 West and crossed over the concrete barrier where he was struck by an oncoming vehicle travelling on Route 3 East. He suffered minor injuries and was placed under arrest. The passenger, Eliel Ortiz, 19, of Garfield fled and was arrested by members of the Secaucus Police Department and New Jersey State Police in the weeds a short distance from the vehicle.
Stolen property taken from residents of Secaucus was recovered from the suspects’ 2005 black Honda Accord, which was also bearing a stolen license plate. No civilians were injured as a result of the vehicle pursuit.
“I am thankful that nobody was truly injured in this incident,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “This incident is another example that the Secaucus Police Department will respond immediately to resident reports of criminal activity and apprehend criminals by lawful means. I want to thank the New Jersey State Police, Clifton and East Rutherford Police Departments along with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.”
Jordan Terry and Eliel Ortiz were each charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law [2C:29-1(a)], Resisting Arrest [2C:29-2a(2)], four counts of Theft [2C:20-3a], Receiving Stolen Property [2C:20-7] and Conspiracy to Commit Theft [2C:5-2a(1)/2C:20-3a]. Jordan Terry was also charged with Eluding [2C:29-2(b)] and was lodged in the Hudson County Jail. Pursuant to Criminal Justice Reform, Eliel Ortiz was released, pending his appearance in Court. These charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
