By Eve 
Two brothers from Asbury Park were taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after police say they fled in a stolen BMW SUV, crashed on Route 66 in Neptune Township, and attempted to escape on foot.
According to police, officers spotted a BMW X3 traveling through the Route 66 construction zone near the Home Depot when it passed a patrol vehicle. The SUV had been reported stolen out of South Orange on Dec. 16. When officers initiated a U-turn to conduct a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and attempted to flee.
Police said the BMW weaved around slower vehicles by driving into the oncoming traffic lane. Moments later, the driver lost control, causing the SUV to flip on the highway. The crash occurred in an area where traffic was already slowed due to construction, creating a dangerous situation for nearby motorists.
After the vehicle came to rest, both occupants exited the SUV and ran from the scene. Officers quickly responded and pursued the suspects along a nearby tree line. Police said the chase was brief, and both individuals were apprehended without further incident.
Authorities identified the driver as 20-year-old Alan Gonzalez and the passenger as his 18-year-old brother, Felix Gonzalez. Both were arrested at the scene. During the investigation, police reported finding a box cutter in Alan Gonzalez’s possession, along with a stash of stolen license plates inside the vehicle.
Alan Gonzalez was charged with receiving stolen property, obstruction, resisting arrest by flight, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and multiple motor vehicle offenses. Police also confirmed he had an active arrest warrant issued by Freehold Township.
Felix Gonzalez faces charges of receiving stolen property, obstruction, and resisting arrest by flight. South Orange police were notified and are continuing their investigation related to the vehicle theft.
Police said both brothers were transported to the Monmouth County jail, where they are being held pending a detention hearing. No serious injuries were reported as a result of the crash, though the incident caused significant disruption along the busy highway corridor.
The investigation remains ongoing. All parties are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Shawn Henry