A 28-year-old man from Sicklerville, New Jersey, was arrested after allegedly attempting to steal vehicles and assaulting police officers during a chase. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 23, 2025, in Winslow Township.

Attempted Vehicle Break-Ins Reported

Around 5:30 a.m., Winslow Township police received reports of three men trying to break into a vehicle on Hewitt Lane in Sicklerville. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a rifle. Upon arrival, officers observed a black Infiniti Q50 speeding away from the Hampton Gate development.

High-Speed Chase Ensues

Officers attempted to stop the Infiniti, but the driver refused to comply, leading to a chase onto the Atlantic City Expressway. The suspect exited at Cross Keys Road and headed back toward Sicklerville Road. The driver then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, engaging in a physical altercation with pursuing officers before being apprehended.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

The suspect was identified as Tyrelle Clarke, 28, of Sicklerville. Authorities discovered Clarke possessed a motor vehicle computer programmer, a device that allows individuals to enter vehicles and reprogram a generic master key to operate and steal them.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Clarke faces multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault on law enforcement. He is currently held at the Camden County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings.

Similar Incidents in New Jersey

This event is part of a series of recent vehicle thefts and police chases in New Jersey. Approximately two weeks prior, five teenagers from Newark were arrested following a high-speed chase involving a stolen Mercedes-Benz GLE in Paramus. The suspects attempted to flee on foot after colliding with police vehicles but were apprehended and charged with offenses such as receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.

Community Concerns and Police Response

The rise in vehicle thefts and subsequent police chases has raised concerns among New Jersey residents. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Authorities are also enhancing patrols and employing advanced technologies to combat the increasing trend of vehicle-related crimes.

Legal Consequences and Public Safety

Individuals involved in such criminal activities face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and substantial fines. These incidents pose significant risks to public safety, as high-speed chases can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of adhering to the law and the potential dangers associated with attempting to evade arrest.

Ongoing Investigations

Investigations into these incidents are ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify and apprehend any additional suspects involved. Community members are encouraged to provide information that may assist in these investigations, contributing to the overall safety and security of their neighborhoods.

Preventive Measures

To prevent vehicle thefts, residents are advised to take precautionary measures such as locking their vehicles, avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight, and parking in well-lit areas. Installing anti-theft devices and utilizing tracking systems can also deter potential thieves and aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles.

The arrest of Tyrelle Clarke highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing vehicle thefts and related crimes. Through community cooperation and proactive policing, authorities aim to reduce such incidents and ensure the safety of all residents.