Dashcam shows 14-year-old boy leading Kalamazoo police on chase in stolen car
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A 14-year-old boy was arrested after allegedly leading officers on a chase in a stolen car through a residential area in Kalamazoo Monday afternoon, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS).
The teen was driving a white 2007 Mercury Milan that was reported to be stolen out of Portage, authorities said.
Officers said they tried pulling the Mercury over near Drake Road and West Michigan Avenue around 1:40 p.m., but the driver fled.
KDPS shared video of the pursuit that shows the teen first fleeing on Driftwood Avenue, where he lost control on the icy road, subsequently crashing into a mailbox and trash can.
He then crossed a busy Drake Road, ignoring the red light, and continued onto Arboretum Parkway before crashing into and uprooting a light pole.
The 14-year-old then tried to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended by officers.
He was treated at an area hospital for a minor laceration he sustained to his forehead after crashing into the light pole before being taken to the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home, according to KDPS.
No criminal charges have been brought against the teenager at this time, however Kalamazoo Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting told News Channel 3 it's not out of the question.
"The teen that fled from the police could face felony charges for fleeing and eluding the police," Getting said. "Depending on the evidence developing during the investigation, he could also face additional felony charges for stealing the car and/or being in possession of a stolen car.”
Getting's Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey Williams, added that there's a lot to consider when prosecuting, or potentially prosecuting, a minor.
“If somebody disobeys the police, that’s a violation and there are different degrees depending on what you do,” Williams said.
Williams noted that whether or not the minor has a previous criminal history, and what that history looks like, it can play a big part in what the minor is charged with. It can also play a role in whether or not the minor is charged as an adult.