16-year-old leads deputies on high-speed chase
Teen faces attempted murder charges after ramming deputy's vehicle
YERMO • A 16-year-old led Barstow sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase from Barstow to Yermo in a stolen truck Tuesday, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials said.
The unidentified Newberry Springs teen led seven deputy units on a 40-minute chase, speeding up to 100 mph and ramming into one of the deputy’s vehicles before he was arrested, according to Jodi Miller, public affairs officer for the Sheriff’s Department.
Miller said she did not know why the boy took the vehicle, but investigation was still ongoing.
Sheriff’s deputies began searching for the 2004 Dodge Ram after it was reported missing from Newberry Springs at around 2:30 p.m. by a relative of the teen, Miller said. The truck was then spotted on Interstate 15 near Highway 58 at 4:20 p.m. in Barstow.
When deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over the teen sped up and exited the freeway at Lenwood Road.
The driver led deputies through Barstow streets, where Miller said he drove “erratically,” traveling high speeds, running stop lights, and nearly hitting nearby pedestrians.
“The driver had no regard whatsoever for public safety,” Miller said.
The deputies ended the street pursuit as they were concerned for public safety, but continued to follow the driver with a helicopter.
The teen then began to head north on Interstate 15 and traveled to Yermo, where deputies picked up the vehicle pursuit again, Miller said. During the chase, the driver rammed into one of the deputy’s vehicles while an officer was inside.
Deputies ended the pursuit using what they call the “Pit maneuver” wherein officers bumped into the back of the truck traveling less than 35 mph, causing the truck to spin and stop.
The driver then fled the scene, leading deputies on a brief foot pursuit where he was finally arrested.
The teen is being charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, vehicle theft, and a felony pursuit. He is being held at the High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4123 or klucia@desertdispatch.com
