1 Teen Dead After Carjacking, Police Chase, Crash
Detroit (WWJ) - One teen is dead, and two others hospitalized after a carjacking, police chase and crash on Detroit's east side early Monday morning.
Detroit police say a 1994, burgundy Dodge Duster was stolen near Van Dyke and Outer drive at around 2 a.m. Officers spotted the vehicle and were in pursuit of it on 7 Mile Road when the driver lost control and slammed into a utility pole near Hoover Road.
The 16-year-old driver was thrown from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other 16-year-old suspects were trapped inside the car, but firefighters used the jaws of life to free them. They were hospitalized in temporary serious condition.
Police said the 24-year-old carjacking victim is OK.
"At some point the suspects decided to forcefully take the victim's vehicle and also kidnap that person," Police Chief James Craig told reporters at a news conference later Monday.
Charges are pending against the two teens injured teens.
Craig thanked his department for their work on this case, as well as two fatal beatings Detroit police are currently investigating.
"I gotta acknowledge the great work — not just by our detectives and quickly following up on these critical incidents — but also the tactical response unit that was deployed out in the field, primarily in one of those areas where we have seen hot spots (for crime)," Craig said.
Anyone with information about this case should contact Detroit police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP.