NORTH BERGEN — On the morning of Aug. 15, Paul Lopez and Jesus Aguila Diaz from North Bergen, both 18, were apprehended by police, allegedly in a stolen car.
According to Capt. Gerald Sanzari, some time after 5:39 a.m., Police Officers Shannon Cullen and Brian Himsel spotted a vehicle travelling north on Kennedy Boulevard. When they got closer, the car made a U-turn in front of them and began to travel south.
The officers then activated their lights and “audibles,” but the driver allegedly ran a red light at 67th Street and Kennedy Boulevard, before making a quick stop on 64th Street, turning onto Smith Avenue.
Sanzari said that the driver, along with two passengers, allegedly jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving. The car continued to roll west, damaging a street sign as well as the vehicle itself.
Police were able to apprehend Lopez, who they allege was driving. Soon after, another officer spotted Diaz allegedly fleeing and arrested him. Police said he had been sitting in the backseat. Police were unable to locate the other passenger.
Within the car they found a screwdriver and alleged tampering of the steering wheel. The car was reported stolen out of North Bergen.
Lopez was charged with being an unlicensed driver, improper U-turn, failure to observe a signal, and careless driving. Both men were charged with being in possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property, and resisting arrest.
Judge Nino Falcone set their bail at $10,000, with no 10 percent bail bond option.