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 tried to escape on foot.
A Stolen SUV Spotted in a Construction Zone
According to police, officers spotted a BMW X3 driving 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 made a U-turn to conduct a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and tried to flee instead.
Police say the BMW weaved around slower vehicles by cutting into the oncoming traffic lane before the driver lost control, flipping the SUV on the highway. The crash happened in an area where traffic was already slowed for construction, creating a dangerous situation for nearby motorists.
A Foot Chase Along the Tree Line
After the vehicle came to rest, both occupants got out and ran from the scene. Officers responded quickly and pursued the suspects along a nearby tree line; the chase was brief, and both individuals were caught without further incident.
The Suspects
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 say they found a box cutter in Alan Gonzalez’s possession, along with a stash of stolen license plates inside the vehicle.
Alan Gonzalez is 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 say he had an active arrest warrant out of Freehold Township. Felix Gonzalez faces charges of receiving stolen property, obstruction, and resisting arrest by flight. As with any pending case, these remain allegations that haven’t been proven in court.
What Happens Next
South Orange police have been notified and are continuing their investigation into the underlying vehicle theft. Both brothers were transported to the Monmouth County jail, where they’re being held pending a detention hearing. No serious injuries were reported from the crash, though the incident caused significant disruption along the busy highway corridor.
All parties are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.