SPOKANE, Wash. — Three teenagers were taken into custody Tuesday night following a high-speed crash in Spokane.
Around 11:30 p.m., a Spokane County sheriff’s deputy reported spotting a Jeep speeding east on East Wellesley near North Crestline. The deputy attempted to catch up but could only get within two blocks before the Jeep crashed into a utility pole and then slammed into a cement wall at the corner of Wellesley and North Cook Street.
A spokesperson from the sheriff’s office stated that the three teens fled on foot, but with assistance from local residents, deputies located and detained them in a nearby backyard. All three sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators determined that the 14-year-old female had taken the Jeep without permission from the 12-year-old’s mother. After picking up a 14-year-old male, he took over driving and lost control of the vehicle. The group claimed they did not see the patrol car that had attempted to pursue them.
Deputies found prescription pills not prescribed to the male juvenile, as well as nicotine pouches, an e-cigarette, a black facemask, and an unissued credit card in the Jeep. The credit card, which was not reported stolen, was seized for further investigation.
The sheriff’s office said the 14-year-old girl faces a charge of taking a motor vehicle without permission. The 14-year-old male faces charges including reckless driving, driving without a license, hit and run-property damage, possession of a legend drug, and possession of a tobacco product by a minor. The 12-year-old female was released to a parent, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies reported that both 14-year-olds were evaluated at a hospital before being booked into the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center.
