Three Apprehended in Stolen Vehicle Pursuit
Story and Photos
By Katie McFadden
A stolen vehicle, a quick pursuit and a car crash involving NYPD vehicles made for an intense end to last Wednesday night.
According to a DCPI spokesperson, “On Wednesday, January 17, just after 11 p.m., officers were conducting a car stop in the vicinity of Beach 102nd Street and Beach Channel Drive, in the confines of the 100th Precinct. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop and fled from the officers. While fleeing, the vehicle collided with two marked police vehicles. Three police officers were transported by EMS to a local hospital in stable condition. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle was reported stolen.”
At the scene on Beach 102nd Street, a police SUV with damage to the front of the vehicle was seen on the sidewalk, in front of a severely damaged Hyundai Sonata with Florida plates, that had crashed into a utility pole on the corner.
Three individuals were arrested and charged. Among them was 20-year-old Miguel Worrell of the Brownsville area of Brooklyn, who was charged with Grand Larceny Auto, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Damion Bartley, 19, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, was charged with Grand Larceny Auto, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction Governmental Administration and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. A 17-year-old female was also arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.
Hyundai Sonatas were among some of the most stolen vehicles in 2022. Turn-key models made from 2011 to 2021 allegedly have a defect, lacking an anti-theft mechanism called an immobilizer. A TikTok challenge encouraging folks to film themselves trying to steal vehicles without this technology, has led to an uptick in thefts in recent years. In response, Hyundai is offering free anti-theft software upgrades for affected customers. The 100th Precinct recently held an auto larceny initiative in which they gave out Apple AirTags and Tiles to certain Kia and Hyundai owners, and steering wheel locks to certain Honda CRV owners, to try to combat thefts and track stolen vehicles.
