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Raymond Piel Jr., 23, was charged with eluding and theft by deception, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor.
On Sept. 14, a Branchburg police officer attempted to stop Piel, who was speeding northbound on Lamington Avenue in a gray Nissan Altima, authorities said.
Piel reportedly ignored commands to stop and continued driving away, sparking a chase.
However, the officer ended the pursuit on Rattlesnake Bridge Road in Bedminster Township after only a few minutes, authorities said.
The car was "traded" in Branchburg between the registered owner and Piel, according to investigators. The arrangement was made through social media.
Piel's documents given to the owner of the Nissan Altima during the trade were later found to be fraudulent, authorities said.
On Oct. 18, the same Nissan Altima was seen in Essex County. Piel was officially charged three days later.
He was sent to Essex County Jail.
Anyone with information relating to the incident is urged to contact the Branchburg Police Department at (908) 526-3830 or via the STOPit app.
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