Photos, ERPD Jose Cardona, of East Rutherford, and Patricia Mercado, of Newark

By Alexis Tarrazi / Senior Reporter

EAST RUTHERFORD (Oct. 22, 2009)  — Allegedly speeding off in a stolen car and leading police in a foot pursuit, has landed an East Rutherford man and his accomplice behind bars.

Jose Cardona, 40, of East Rutherford and Patricia Mercado, 30, of Newark, were both arrested Oct. 2 for multiple counts related to a theft of a car from Woodbridge.

On Oct. 2 at 12:30 p.m. East Rutherford Police Officer David DeRosa said he preformed a random check on a 1991 silver Honda Accord leaving the BJ’s Wholesale parking lot on Route 17 North. The check revealed that the car was stolen out of Woodbridge.

Police attempted to stop the car in the Chili’s Restaurant parking lot, but the vehicle allegedly fled back onto Route 17 North to the Paterson Plank Road exit, where Cardona and Mercado were met by heavy traffic.

“The vehicle swerved off the roadway into the construction area, knocking over several safety barrels in the process,” according to reports. “The vehicle was unable to travel any further in the construction zone and one male driver and one female front passenger fled on foot.”

DeRosa reportedly drew his weapon and ordered the two to stop, but the two continued to run. DeRosa and police officer Matthew Bucceri chased Cardona and Mercado down the embankment, across the railroad tracks and into a warehouse, at 340 Thirteenth St., Carlstadt, where they were both arrested.

East Rutherford Police Lt. Christopher Conforti said he had just taken a report from a Passaic woman, who said someone smashed the front driver’s side window of her 2004 Ford Focus and stole a Tom-Tom GPS and Verizon cell phone, while parked at BJ’s. A search of the stolen car revealed a bag filled with cell phones, GPS units and burglary tools (two screwdrivers and a slap hammer), according to police.

Cardona was charged possession of burglar’s tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, hindering prosecution, resisting/eluding police, receiving stolen property, unlawful taking of means of conveyance and attempt to elude police. Bail was set at $32,500 with no 10 percent option.

Mercado was charged with possession of burglar’s tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, ride in stolen vehicle, hindering prosecution, unlawful taking of means of conveyance and resisting/eluding police. Bail was set at $20,00 with no 10 percent option. Both were transported to Bergen County jail.