OCEAN TOWNSHIP — Two Neptune teens are facing charges following a brief motor vehicle chase with township police last week.
On March 18 at approximately 2:38 a.m., Ocean Township Police Officer John Hanna was on patrol in the area of the Seaview Mall when he observed a white Toyota traveling at a high rate of speed along the outer road of the mall area, according to a press release from the Ocean Township Police Department.
Hanna caught up to the Toyota on the south side of the mall as it slowed near an intersection and attempted to stop the vehicle, according to reports.
The Toyota then took off in an attempt to elude Hanna. Hanna briefly followed with the assistance of Ocean Township Police Officer Kevin Redmond.
The driver of the Toyota then failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle left the roadway, striking a curb and a light post before coming to rest in a ditch near a wooded area, according to police.
The two occupants of the Toyota, both identified as 15-year-old males from Neptune, exited the crashed car and fled into the woods. Both were quickly apprehended by Hanna and Redmond.
The teens were subsequently transported to the Ocean Township Police Department and charged with motor vehicle eluding and resisting arrest and released to a parent, according to reports.
The Toyota suffered significant damage and was towed from the scene. It was later discovered that a relative of one of the 15- year-olds owned the vehicle.