BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — An intense, high-speed police chase across several New Jersey towns ended in a dramatic “box-in” maneuver on Monday morning after thieves stole a distinctive purple Lamborghini and led authorities on a pursuit reaching speeds of over 100 mph.
While the driver is currently behind bars, at least one other suspect remains at large, and police are investigating whether the business was specifically targeted.
The Break-In: “I Believe I’ve Been Targeted”
The ordeal began around 3:30 a.m. at MoeModz, an auto customization shop located in Elmwood Park. According to investigators, the thieves scaled a wall and smashed a window with a heavy object to gain entry.
The suspects were inside for only a few minutes before locating the keys and driving off in the luxury vehicle. The shop’s alarm system immediately notified local police, but the thieves had already vanished.
The owner of MoeModz expressed fear that the heist was planned well in advance.
“My belief, honestly, is I’ve been targeted for three days, or maybe more… I do personally believe that I’ve been followed and I’ve been targeted specifically for this car,” the owner stated.
A Multi-Town Pursuit
The stolen Lamborghini was first tracked to Newark by an auto theft task force. Following a brief chase where the suspects managed to evade capture, the vehicle was spotted again in Upper Saddle River (Bergen County), sparking a second, more intense pursuit.
As the car sped through Paramus, authorities successfully deployed a tire deflation device. Despite the damaged tires, the driver refused to stop, pushing the vehicle into Hillside.
The Takedown and Arrest
The chase finally came to an end in Hillside when police vehicles managed to surround and “box in” the purple Lamborghini. The occupants attempted to flee on foot, but the driver was quickly apprehended.
- Suspect Identified: 21-year-old Munir Muhammad of Newark.
- Charges: Currently charged with receiving stolen property.
- Suspects at Large: Police are still searching for at least one passenger who escaped on foot and a second vehicle believed to be involved in the initial break-in.
Ongoing Investigation
The Lamborghini—a car that can retail for several hundred thousand dollars—sustained damage during the chase. Local authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from MoeModz and surrounding businesses to identify the remaining suspects.
What do you think, New Jersey? Are luxury car thefts becoming too common in our local neighborhoods? Should there be stiffer penalties for those involved in high-speed chases that put the public at risk?
