Edison police arrest Maryland attempted murder suspect after car chase

By Alvin Wu
Domestic Affairs
Edison police arrest Maryland attempted murder suspect after car chase

A view of U.S. Highway 1 beside Menlo Park Mall in Edison, N.J., on Tuesday, Dec. 5. ZFJ/Akira Rorschach

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 6 (ZFJ) — A suspect wanted for attempted murder in Maryland was arrested by Edison police after an hour-long motor vehicle pursuit on Sunday, Dec. 3.

At 20:13 on Sunday, Edison police dispatch received a Sirius XM alert that a stolen white 2019 Subaru Outback with Maryland license plates had entered the township near U.S. Highway 1 and Main Street.

While near 2900 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison Police Officer Phil Smith saw the vehicle traveling at a high speed and began tailing it. Watch Commander Lieutenant Tim Hutson then authorized a pursuit.

Smith chased the Subaru to Mahwah, N.J., where it stopped in the middle of Interstate-287 north at mile marker 64.9. The driver refused to voluntarily exit the vehicle, so he was removed by Edison police officers and New Jersey state troopers and taken into custody.

Authorities identified the driver as Reese E. Wetzel, 23, of Ellicott City, Maryland, wanted for the attempted murder of his twin sister. Police allege that he stabbed her multiple times after an argument.

The Subaru that Wetzel drove is owned by his sister and was taken without her permission.

The Edison Police Department has charged Wetzel with receiving stolen property, eluding with substantial risk of physical injury, fugitive from justice, resisting arrest, and obstructing administration of law.

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