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Two teenagers are in police custody in Martin County, accused of stealing a vehicle and causing a violent collision.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy John Budensiek said the teens had stolen a Range Rover in Broward County and started driving north.
He said police in Jupiter, Jupiter Island and Hobe Sound all tried to stop the teens but broke off their attempts, believing a chase would be too dangerous.
“It kind of goes to show you that while these agencies follow their pursuit policies, these bad guys are still running,” Budensiek said. “They’re still disregarding the public and the public at large out here.”
Budensiek said the teens were driving 80 miles per hour as they headed into downtown Hobe Sound.
“The speeds are slow. It’s 5 o’clock traffic, kind of gridlocked,” Budensiek said. “There’s two schools and a daycare and families are coming to pick up their children.”
Budensiek said the Range Rover slammed into two cars waiting at the traffic light at the intersection of Bridge Road and Gomez Road.
Two people in the other cars were hospitalized with what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.
The two teens took off running, chased by deputies with a K9 and by helicopters.
“They didn’t realize they’re in Hobe Sound. And Hobe Sound is a tight-knit community,” Budensiek said. “And the 911 calls started immediately. ‘Hey, we just saw them running here. We just saw them running there.’”
Budensiek said one teenager was arrested a short distance away by some railroad tracks while the other was found hiding in a nearby pond.
“When the K9 unit made his announcements, the suspect didn’t want to get bitten and gave up,” he said.
The names of the suspects have not yet been released.
It’s not clear exactly what charges they will face, but Budensiek said it would be multiple felonies.
Both are expected to be charged as juveniles.
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Source: wpbf
