After a high-speed police chase that ended when the driver crashed in Englewood, New Jersey, a current parolee has been charged with eluding, receiving stolen property, and drug offenses, while one of the passengers who fled after the crash remains at large.

According to Captain Daniel Morrissey of the Englewood Cliffs Police Department, 19-year-old Englewood resident Malik Lee was driving a stolen vehicle on Palisade Avenue at approximately 4:00 a.m. on July 9th, when he was observed by Officer Kyle Ust committing multiple traffic offenses. When Officer Ust attempted to stop the vehicle, Lee allegedly continued driving in an attempt to elude him.

Lee ultimately crashed the vehicle in the vicinity of Dwight Place and Franklyn Street in Englewood, at which time he was arrested. One of the passengers, a 17-year-old girl, was also taken into custody, while the car’s third occupant fled the scene and has yet to be apprehended.

Lee was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including eluding, receiving stolen property, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. According to official records, he is currently on probation in connection with a previous case and was wearing a monitoring device on his ankle at the time of his arrest. He is currently being held at the Bergen County Jail, with his bail set at $50,000.

With regard to the most recent crimes for which Lee has been accused, receiving stolen property offenses, which are governed under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7, can be classified as second, third, or fourth degree indictable felonies, or disorderly persons offenses, depending on the circumstances of the specific case. The critical factors which determine the degree of these charges include: the monetary value associated with the property allegedly stolen, the way in which the property was obtained (i.e. through extortion), and the nature of the property itself (i.e. a controlled dangerous substance, firearm, vehicle, etc.)

In this case, the stolen property involved is a vehicle, which means that the defendant is likely facing third degree receiving stolen property charges. As such, he could be subject to a term of incarceration ranging from 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison if he is found guilty. This sentence may be imposed in addition to the penalties associated with the other charges against him if he is convicted of those as well. In addition, Lee’s status as a current parolee represents an aggravating factor which will be considered by the sentencing judge in his case.

For more information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Englewood Cliffs stolen vehicle chase ends in Englewood crash