Two officers and four juveniles were injured over the weekend after a stolen Kia crashed into two cop cars, leading to the arrest of the vehicle’s 16-year-old driver.
According to a press release posted by the New Haven Police Department (NHPD) to the social media site X, on Saturday at around 1:20 a.m., officers assigned to a regional task force saw a Kia Sportage that had been reported stolen.
“Officers attempted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Long Wharf, deploying stop sticks which were successful in deflating one of the vehicle’s tires,” that press release reads. “The vehicle fled the area, and another stop stick was deployed which deflated a second tire after the vehicle pulled into the parking lot of the Metropolitan Business Academy on Water Street.”
As the car tried to leave the parking lot, the press release continues, “it struck an unmarked police vehicle, then became disabled after striking another police vehicle head on.”
The four occupants of the Kia, “all juveniles from New Haven, were quickly apprehended.” They, along with the two officers, were transported to the hospital “and have since been released.”
The operator of the Kia, 16, “was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for accidentally shooting himself” on April 18. That 16-year-old was taken into custody and charged with larceny of motor vehicle, assault on a police officer, evading responsibility, and interfering with police.
“This arrest highlights the danger involved in combating the ongoing issue of stolen cars in our area,” Police Chief Karl Jacobson is quoted as saying in the press release. “I’m thankful that no one was seriously injured and I’m proud of the work these officers do every day in trying to keep our community safe.”