Two charged with stealing 55 cases of Red Bull

WOODBRIDGE — Police arrested and charged two men for stealing 55 cases of Red Bull valued at $1,969 from a van that was delivering the energy drink to the Quick Chek on Route 1 in Avenel on Jan. 2.

The incident, which led to a car chase on Route 1 into Linden and a short foot chase, occurred at 1 p.m., police said.

Jerome Smith, 26, of Linden, and Robert Callahan, 46, Teaneck, were charged with two counts of burglary and theft, resisting arrest by flight, criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools.

Smith was additionally charged with eluding police and receiving stolen property. Callahan was additionally charged with joyriding, police said.

Police were dispatched to the Quick Chek on a report of a stolen car in progress. When police arrived, they observed the subject vehicle, a white 2000 Dodge van, and attempted to stop the van.

A pursuit ensued into Rahway and then into Linden, where the chase ended in the parking lot of Wal-Mart.

The suspects exited the van, which police later discovered had also been stolen, and attempted to flee.

Bail for Callahan and Smith was set at $25,000 each, police said.