OTHELLO, Wash. – A 14-year-old from Las Vegas led Othello police on a high-speed chase early on June 1 after allegedly stealing a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Officers spotted the SUV speeding in a 35 mph zone around 1:49 a.m. on N. 7th Avenue. Suspecting DUI, police initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle sped away, running stop signs and red lights.
The chase ended when the SUV crashed into cement barriers after hitting a traffic barricade at high speeds on S. 7th Avenue toward SR 26. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and thankfully, the teen sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say the teen was visiting Othello with his father for work and stole the vehicle mere minutes before the pursuit. He was treated and then housed at Martin Hall Juvenile Facility.
The teen faces charges including theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, and attempting to elude police. The Othello Police Department emphasized, “Don’t risk your future, it’s simply not worth it, fleeing creates danger for everyone.”
