A Philadelphia woman is facing a series of charges after fleeing police in a stolen car and crashing head on into another vehicle in Gloucester Township on Aug. 28.
According to township police, the incident began around 2:27 p.m., when officers were at the Howard Johnson Hotel on the Black Horse Pike for an unrelated call. A white Honda Accord entered the lot, triggering an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) alert that the car had been reported stolen out of Philadelphia.
As officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a passenger fled on foot, but was quickly detained without incident. Police said the driver sped away at a high rate of speed onto the Black Horse Pike, weaving recklessly across medians before disappearing in northbound traffic. Officers identified the suspect but did not pursue at that point.
About 15 minutes later, officers were dispatched to a two-car collision near Station and Roosevelt avenues in the Glendora section of the township. Police said the crash involved the same stolen vehicle, whose driver had fled the scene on foot carrying a duffle bag. Officers located and arrested the suspect, identified as Aleesa McIver of Philadelphia.
A search of McIver’s belongings revealed a revolver-style handgun, four high-capacity ammunition magazines for a separate firearm, additional ammunition, prescription narcotics and open containers of alcohol. Police said McIver also showed signs of intoxication and was charged with a DWI.
The driver of the second vehicle sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment. Investigators said McIver allegedly failed to heed a stop sign before causing the head-on collision, which occurred in an active construction zone that already had partial lane closures.
The police department noted how technology such as the ALPR was critical to the case.
“This incident highlights how ALPR systems help us quickly identify and apprehend those who pose significant threats to public safety,” it said in a statement.
McIver faces numerous charges, including receiving stolen property, assault by auto, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of controlled dangerous substances. The case remains under investigation.
