Rakim Thompson
On June 5, 2024 at 1:02 A.M., a resident called the Secaucus Police and reported that their 2022 Audi Q3 was in the process of being stolen from the driveway of their Valley Court residence.
Police Officer Dwight Wise located the stolen vehicle on the Maple Street ramp and followed it toward the dead end of Maple Street. Despite the marked police vehicles blocking the roadway, Rakim Thompson, 29, of Newark, purposely rammed several of the police vehicles, one of which was occupied, to escape and evade capture.
Rakim Thompson then fled in the stolen Audi where Secaucus Police Officer Salvatore Manente Jr. pursued him onto the New Jersey Turnpike. After reaching excessively high speeds, Police Officer Manente lost sight of the stolen Audi in the area of Route 80 West, therefore the vehicle pursuit was terminated.
Secaucus Police Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and identified Rakim Thompson as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest. Rakim Thompson was arrested on February 20, 2025 by members of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.
“I fully support my officers’ actions here during their attempt to arrest this car thief and the decision to pursue him in the stolen vehicle, which was in accordance with existing policies and directives,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “Because the criminal element works tirelessly to prey on our residents, my detectives will work twice as hard to bring them to justice, and this arrest is evidence of just that. I commend my officers and detectives and thank the Essex County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.”
Rakim Thompson is charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle [2C:20-10.1)], Eluding [2C:29-2b] and Aggravated Assualt on a Law Enforcement Officer [2C:12-1b(5)(a)]. He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail. These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
