2 teens lead Terre Haute Police on 'erratic' chase

THPD Sgt. Michael Ellerman/Lucy Perry Photo

Two teenagers led police on a high speed chase early this morning, that ended with the the stolen vehicle they fled in sustaining extensive damage.

Terre Haute Police Department Sgt. Michael Ellerman described the "erratic" chase that began at about 3:30 a.m. while Sgt. Todd Haller was patrolling the area of South 17th and Deming Streets. He said additional units blocked intersections to prevent serious accidents as a result of the pursuit.

The 16-year-old suspects were booked into the Juvenile Detention Center after the pursuit ended at Poplar Street and Fruitridge Avenue, near Deming Park. The driver is facing charges of auto theft, felony resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and reckless driving. The passenger is charged with criminal trespass and auto theft.

"During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle fled off-road along railroad tracks and through empty lots," the police report states. "In the process, the passenger side tires were flattened."
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Once Haller spotted the vehicle, a white Honda Odyssey, on South 17th and Farrington Streets. Ellerman noted the vehicle sped off, disregarding several stop signs. Haller activated lights and siren and the pursuit continued eastbound to South 18th Street, with the driver committing several traffic violations.

THPD officers contacted the vehicle's owner, who reportedly said he'd started the van to allow it to warm up and later discovered it had been stolen.

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