Pursuit of Stolen Charger in the Bronx

A newly released NYPD video showcases a chaotic chase reminiscent of a scene from “The French Connection.” It features officers pursuing two suspected car thieves who were recklessly driving a stolen muscle car through the Bronx streets and sidewalks.

The police received a notification around 11 a.m. on September 17 when a light blue 2025 Dodge Charger set off its license plate reader near East 167th Street and Morris Avenue, indicating it had been stolen.

One of the department’s drone operators spotted the Charger speeding through Claremont Village and communicated its location to officers on the ground.

Approximately six patrol vehicles engaged in the pursuit, but the Charger attempted to escape by driving off-road or even on the sidewalk on East 167th Street.

About a mile later, the chase came to an abrupt end when the driver collided with an SUV that was stationary at a red light on Walton Avenue.

“Get out of the car! Get out of the car!” an officer shouted while chasing the suspect, as captured on body camera footage.

As the tinted windows of the charger revealed two men inside, they jumped out and fled, quickly being chased by two agile officers.

A pedestrian nearby assisted by shouting directions, exclaiming, “He’s over there!” as he pointed to one of the fleeing suspects.

Officers approached the suspect while the chaotic scene unfolded, with one officer handcuffing him while also verbally addressing another nearby pedestrian.

Plainclothes officers tackled the second man, securing him after he fell to the ground, as shown in the video.

The intense situation took another turn when officers rolled one suspect onto his back, discovering a handgun underneath him. “I got it! I got it! I got it!” one officer exclaimed as he seized the weapon.

Emmanuel Torres, 26, from Newark, New Jersey, was apprehended on charges related to firearm possession and stolen property.

Ricky Fernandez, 25, hailing from Linden, New Jersey, faces charges of auto theft, possession of stolen property, drug possession, and reckless driving. Reports suggest he was found with crack cocaine.

Both men pleaded not guilty, with Fernandez being released on his own recognizance and Torres released under non-monetary conditions, based on court documents.