On Friday evening, authorities reported that two underage individuals were taken into custody after allegedly stealing a vehicle and triggering a multi-car accident during a police chase.
Details of the Incident
According to Daniel Opatut, an assistant prosecutor with the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, the stolen car was traveling north on Prospect Street near the Parkway Avenue intersection in Ewing at approximately 6:42 p.m.
Opatut stated that police attempted to stop the vehicle using their overhead lights, but the car "eluded the police vehicle at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner."
The fleeing vehicle reportedly ran a red light, colliding with another car and then striking a traffic light pole. The pursuing officer's patrol car subsequently crashed into the stolen vehicle.
Injuries and Aftermath
Four individuals were in the vehicle that was struck, including two adults and two juveniles. All were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center by emergency responders.
Officials confirmed that one of the minors in the struck vehicle remained in critical condition on Saturday.
The two juvenile occupants of the stolen car were arrested and face multiple charges. The police officer involved was also taken to the medical center for treatment of minor injuries.
Charges and Investigation
The suspects have been charged with seven counts of aggravated assault, one count of assault by auto, one count of theft of a motor vehicle, and one count of eluding.
Authorities indicated that the investigation into the incident continues.
