3 teens injured as stolen car crashes into Absecon marsh

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Three teenagers face charges after a police pursuit that ended with a stolen car crashing and catching fire early Thursday in Absecon, reports Daily Voice.

The wreck occurred on a stretch of White Horse Pike (East Absecon Boulevard) just east of the Home Depot, shortly after the chase began at around 4:00 a.m.

According to Galloway Township Police, Sgt. Kevin Costa had initially spotted a suspicious 2013 Honda Accord in the area of Sterling Court and 2nd Avenue. After observing and checking the vehicle’s registration, he was able to confirm the car had been reported stolen earlier that morning. As he caught up to the vehicle, the sergeant activated his lights and sirens to attempt a traffic stop, but the Honda fled at a high rate of speed. The pursuit continued into the City of Absecon, where the Honda later veered off the roadway and crashed in a marshy area.

The two teenage passengers, two boys ages 16 and 15, were able to exit on their own and Sgt. Costa was able to remove the unconscious driver, 16, out of the vehicle as it caught fire. First responders transported the three juveniles to AtlantiCare Medical Center. After treatment, the two passengers were released to their guardians, but the 16-year-old remained hospitalized for shock and a head injury.

Authorities noted that an investigation later uncovered a firearm that was concealed in the stolen vehicle. Multiple criminal and motor vehicle charges are currently under review.