SECACUS, NJ — A Newark man was arrested on February 20th for his involvement in the theft of a 2022 Audi Q3 in Secaucus, which resulted in a dramatic police chase and multiple incidents of ramming police vehicles.
On June 5th, 2024, at 1:02 a.m., a Secaucus resident reported their vehicle being stolen from their driveway on Valley Court. Secaucus Police Officer Dwight Wise quickly located the stolen Audi on the Maple Street ramp. However, the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rakim Thompson of Newark, intentionally rammed several police vehicles, one of which was occupied, in an effort to escape.
Thompson then fled in the stolen vehicle, prompting a high-speed pursuit led by Secaucus Police Officer Salvatore Manente Jr. that continued onto the New Jersey Turnpike. The chase reached dangerously high speeds, but it was eventually called off when Thompson’s vehicle was lost in the vicinity of Route 80 West.
Through a thorough follow-up investigation, Secaucus Police detectives were able to identify Thompson as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.
Thompson now faces multiple charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, eluding law enforcement, and aggravated assault on a police officer. He is currently being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Secaucus Police Chief Dennise Miller praised the officers involved in the case, highlighting the importance of following proper protocols and ensuring justice for the residents of Secaucus. “This arrest is evidence of the hard work and dedication our detectives put into bringing criminals to justice,” Chief Miller said.
