Teen arrested after several cars struck, damaged in West Philadelphia during police chase of stolen roofing truck
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Several cars were damaged after police say a teenager stole a roofing truck and led officers on a wild chase in West Philadelphia Friday morning. The teen left behind a trail of destruction along 56th and Chestnut Streets before being arrested.
CBS3 spoke to a victim who was driving on Chestnut Street, when he came up to a green light, and all of a sudden that stolen pickup slammed right into him.
"It's a lot of damage that he did to 56th Street," Andre Jones said. "I seen at least five cars damaged. I seen a family, a lady with kids that really hurt my soul seeing it. A lady with kids hit and hurt."
The incident began around 10:45 a.m. Roofers were working in the area of 53rd and Chancellor Streets when their black roofing pickup truck was stolen.
CBS3 learned the vehicle keys had been left inside the truck.
The incident turned into a police chase through West Philadelphia before ending on 56th and Chestnut Streets. Several cars were hit while traveling through the area, including a woman who was driving near 54th and Ludlow Streets.
"I don't understand these kids. It's minors. It's not adults doing this stuff right now it's kids," Jones said.
Abdenkarin Mustafa was behind the wheel and says the teen was speeding and slammed right into him.
"Everything OK. I'm 100% OK. Nothing happened to me," Mustafa said.
Piles of car parts, glass, nails and screws were scattered across 56th Street. A green van was left with its hood smashed in.
The teen bailed out of the pickup but was caught and taken into custody a few blocks away.
Police say charges are pending as they continue to piece together and investigate multiple crime scenes.
