Juvenile leads police on car chase

Published 2:29 pm Friday, May 22, 2015

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after police say he led them on a car chase in a stolen vehicle Thursday afternoon.

According to authorities, the boy has been charged with receiving stolen property, first degree, attempting to elude a police officer and driving with a license.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested in connection with the theft of the vehicle. He has been charged with theft of property, first degree.

Email newsletter signup

“On Wednesday around 6:30 p.m. a report was filed in reference to a stolen vehicle,” said Capt. Justin Lovvorn, Criminal Investigations commander. “The victim stated that she had parked her vehicle on Caldwell Street downtown shortly after lunch and when she returned to the vehicle around 6 p.m., it was gone.”

Authorities put out a BOLO for the red, 2004 Honda Pilot.

“The next day around 12 p.m., Officer Thomas Hallford was patrolling on Oglesby Street when he saw a vehicle matching the description of the one stolen the day before,” Lovvorn said. “He then turned around and got behind the vehicle and noticed it did not have a tag.”

Hallford attempted to pull the vehicle over, but instead of pulling over, the driver accelerated and ran a stop sign.

“The vehicle continued to accelerate until it turned onto Hickory Street,” Lovvorn said. “The driver then attempted to exit the vehicle while it was still moving and fell under the vehicle. The vehicle ran over the driver and then struck a light pole, breaking the light pole in half. The driver was then able to get up and run away on foot.”

A passenger in the vehicle was thrown out of the car after he opened it prior to hitting the light pole.  He was detained at the scene and checked for injuries. He was later released with no charges.

The driver fled on foot towards Perdue Village Apartments.  Additional officers and investigators responded to assist in the search for the suspect, who was later located at his residence.

He was taken into custody and treated for his injuries, which were suffered when the vehicle ran over him.

“Patrol maintained a diligent search for the stolen vehicle until it was found,” Lovvorn said.  “They did an excellent job and should be commended for their efforts.”