Two Trenton New Jersey men found themselves on the wrong side of the law after allegedly driving into Falls Township in a stolen vehicle, fleeing almost striking an officer and causing an vehicle crash on Rt 13 in Levittown
An automated license plate reader alerted a police, at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, to a stolen vehicle driving westbound on Bridge St. from Delmorr Avenue. A photograph was provided by the licenses plate reader software of a black Honda CRV with New Jersey registration plates. Trenton, NJ Police reported the vehicle stolen to the NCIC on Monday, December 23, 2024. Using a police radio, a sergeant communicated the alert to other Falls Township Police units, according to the affidavit.
The stolen Honda was observed traveling southbound on Route 13 near Tyburn Rd. in Falls Township at approximately 1:05 p.m, police said.
An officer pursued the stolen Honda into Levittown Shopping Center, where he attempted to conduct an investigation. He activated emergency lighting in his patrol vehicle and exited the patrol vehicle with his gun drawn. There was no compliance with his verbal commands from the occupants. Rather, the Honda’s driver, later identified as Jorge Maldonado, fleed. This was done in such a reckless manner that the officer was nearly struck by the vehicle. It did cause damage to the Falls Township marked patrol vehicle, police noted in court paperwork
Jorge Maldonado Credit: Falls Twp Police
Maldonado fled the scene in the stolen Honda as another officer arrived. The arriving officer pursued the Honda as it fled from the shopping center subsequently plowing into a second vehicle at Route 13 and Levittown Pkwy. Both the Honda and the Hyundai were totaled in the crash, according to the criminal complaint.
A 26-year-old Bristol Borough male resident was driving the Hyundai when struck by the stolen vehicle. He experienced pain to his wrist but did not seek medical treatment at the scene. Falls Twp Police were assisted by police officers from Bristol Township and Tullytown Borough, said Operations Lieutenant Christopher Clark.
As a result of the crash, Maldonado fled from the scene on foot along with his passenger, who was later identified as Rafael Laureano. Maldonado and Laureano were apprehended at the Tullytown Train Station Property after being chased down by pursuing officers, the probable cause alleges.
Rafael Laureano Credit:Falls Twp Police
An officer conducted an incidental search of Laureano, finding marijuana and a .22 caliber cartridge. Further investigation revealed Laureano was arrested in Trenton, New Jersey for burglary.
Maldonado and Laureano were arraigned by on-call Judge Terrence Hughes and unable to post bail, they were remanded to Bucks County Correctional Facility (BCCF). Their next court date is tentatively scheduled for January 15.
Maldonado faces felony charges of aggravated assault and receiving stolen property with several lesser degree charges. Bail was set at 10% of $500,000.00.
Laureano was arraigned on misdemeanor charges of evading arrest on foot and small amount of marijuana. Bail was set at 10% of $100,000.00.
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