Suspect's SUV Overturns, Catches Fire During 2-State Police Chase

A police chase that spanned two states ended with a fiery crash in a wooded area. But that didn't stop one of the suspects from continuing to flee.

Pennsylvania State Police say the incident began just before noon on Thursday when a trooper, driving an unmarked cruiser, stopped a Mercedes SUV along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Bucks County, Pa.

When the trooper approached the SUV, the driver, Maurice Nieves of York, Pa., and his passenger, Samantha Washington, sped off, police say. The trooper then gave chase.

Nieves continued east on the turnpike and crossed into New Jersey over the Delaware River Bridge. The chase continued on for 2.5 miles until the suspect reached the first exit on the highway, for Route 130 in Florence, N.J., officials said.

As the Nieves navigated the exit, he lost control, veering the SUV into the woods. The Mercedes overturned and caught fire, police said.

Still attempting to flee, Nieves jumped out and ran from the crash scene. State police say authorities chased Nieves on foot, jumping a fence in the process, and eventually took him into custody.

He was taken to the hospital for the treatment of unknown injuries. Washington, who remained in the wrecked vehicle, refused treatment at the scene of the crash, police say.

Both are being charged in Pa. and N.J. over the chase.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

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