On June 16, 2023 the Garfield Police Department notified surrounding jurisdictions of a suspect vehicle, a White colored Honda Civic, involved in catalytic converter thefts within their jurisdiction. At 2:28 A.M. Secaucus Police Officer Jason Mitchell observed this vehicle on Route 3 East travelling at over 100 mph. The vehicle failed to stop for police and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was later terminated once sight of the vehicle was lost in Jersey City. It was discovered that the 2013 Honda Civic was stolen from Newark in April of 2023.
Detective Sean Egan of the Secaucus Police Detective Division was able to learn that the same vehicle was observed within an industrial area of Secaucus earlier in that night. During a follow up investigation it became known that Randy Severino had unlawfully stole numerous catalytic converters from five businesses in Secaucus.
On September 14, 2023 Detective Sergeant Giacomo Sallustio and Detective Egan of the Secaucus Police Department Detective Division along with Detectives from the Bayonne Police Department, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI went to Bayonne to serve Randy Severino with arrest warrants for the aforementioned crimes. Randy Severino exited a Toyota Camry near his residence, that was later determined to be stolen from Jersey City. Moments later Randy Severino was seen leaving his residence and after a brief foot pursuit, he was placed under arrest. At the time of his arrest a loaded 9mm Taurus Millennium semi-automatic pistol was recovered from his person.
“I want to thank all of the agencies that participated in this investigation,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “When law enforcement works collaboratively with one another criminals will operate with impunity. This arrest is just another example that car thieves pose a real threat to our communities.”
Randy Severino was charged with five (5) counts of Theft [2C:20-3a], five (5) counts of Criminal Mischief [2C:17-3a(1)], Eluding [2C:29-2b], two (2) counts of Receiving Stolen Property [2C:20-7], Unlawful Possession of Handgun [2C:39-5(b)], Unlawful Possession of Handgun Ammunition [2C:58-3.3(b)], Resisting Arrest [2C:29-2a(3)(b)] and Motor Vehicle Theft [2C:20-10.2(a)]. He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail. These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.