Alex_Schmidt / Depositphotos.com
TOWN OF GRAND RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A runaway teen from Kansas and an 18-year-old man were arrested after a high-speed chase that ended with a crash on Riverview Expressway.
Officers were alerted to a vehicle reported as stolen from Central Iowa at about 7:45 PM on Tuesday. A squad car tailed the vehicle through a construction zone, then attempted a stop after clearing the work zone.
The driver took off on Highway 54 as other departments arrived to assist. Wisconsin Rapids PD attempted to deploy spike strips, but was unable to get far enough ahead of the vehicle as the chase reached speeds of 100 MPH.
The chase ended when the driver failed to negotiate a curve on Riverview Expressway and crashed into the median. Both occupants fled the vehicle and were taken into custody after a short chase. The 18-year-old was identified as Johnathan D. Vangenderen of Enterprise, Kansas.
Further investigation showed the 15-year-old driver had been reported as a runaway from Kansas, where officials say he stole his parents’ vehicle and picked up Vangenderen. The two fled north until the vehicle broke down in Des Moines, Iowa. That’s where they stole a second vehicle and drove to Central Wisconsin.
A Portage County FLOCK camera alerted officers to the stolen vehicle. Officers also noted that the driver came within 20 feet of an officer who was attempting to place spike strips early in the chase.
Officers are recommending charges for their actions in Wisconsin, including felony fleeing, recklessly endangering safety, and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. Additional charges in Iowa and Kansas are also possible.
The 15-year-old suspect was not immediately identified. His name will only be released if his charges are elevated to adult court.
Comments