A vehicle pursuit reportedly involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ended in a serious crash in Teaneck early Sunday morning, leaving a utility pole damaged and live wires scattered across the roadway, according to witnesses.
The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. on July 26 near the intersection of Queen Anne Road and Walraven Drive, also known as The Plaza, in Teaneck.
Witness Yaniv Besterman told Daily Voice that the vehicle being pursued drove onto the curb, moved around a tree, struck parked cars and eventually crashed into a utility pole. The impact caused the pole to fall, leaving exposed electrical wires on the street and creating a potential hazard for drivers and pedestrians in the area.
Photos from the scene showed a damaged vehicle off the roadway and the fallen utility pole lying near the intersection.
According to Besterman, ICE agents identified themselves during the incident. The driver of the pursued vehicle allegedly said that ICE was following him and claimed several of his friends had already been taken into custody before the crash occurred.
However, authorities have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding the pursuit, including whether ICE officers were actively chasing the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Officials have also not released details about the driver involved, whether anyone was injured, or whether any arrests or charges have been made.
The Teaneck Police Department and ICE have been contacted for additional information regarding the incident.
The crash has also drawn comments from local officials. Teaneck Councilman Michael Pagan, who has previously criticized ICE activity in the community, spoke out following the incident.
“Every time ICE is around, they jeopardize public safety,” Pagan said. “We don’t want ICE in Teaneck. ICE should be abolished.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash and are expected to release more information as additional details become available.
