Rochester police chase and arrest 14-year-old driving stolen Kia Sportage

Rochester, New York – A string of stolen car chases in Rochester resulted in the arrest of several teenagers in separate incidents, as reported by the Rochester Police Department. The chases, all occurring on Thursday, involved young suspects and a collaboration between the Rochester Police Department’s Tactical Unit and New York State Police.

The first incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. when officers from the Violence Prevention Section apprehended a 14-year-old boy. The young suspect was caught driving a stolen Kia Sportage along Joseph Avenue. Despite repeated orders to stop, the teenager led police on a pursuit that concluded on Seneca Parkway. Following the chase, he was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and third-degree criminal possession of stolen property. The authorities issued him an appearance ticket.

Later that day, around 5:45 p.m., another chase was triggered when police identified a stolen Hyundai on Chili Avenue. Upon stopping the car, two 15-year-old occupants fled on foot. They were equipped with window punch tools, indicating potential intent to commit further thefts. The chase continued briefly on foot until the teenagers were arrested on Normandy Avenue.

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Both were charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and were detained at the Monroe County Detention Center. It was disclosed that both had outstanding warrants for juvenile delinquency linked to previous missed court appearances. Adding to the complexity, police revealed that one of the suspects had been shot on Rauber Street in an earlier alleged attempt to steal another Hyundai from a residential driveway.

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The series of incidents concluded around 8 p.m. when officers spotted another stolen Kia Sportage parked on Frost Avenue. This time, a 12-year-old boy was seen entering the driver’s seat and attempting to flee. Police quickly intervened, leading to the suspect’s attempt to escape on foot. The young boy was eventually apprehended in a nearby backyard, charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and issued an appearance ticket.

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These incidents highlight ongoing challenges faced by local law enforcement in tackling juvenile delinquency and auto theft. The Rochester Police Department, alongside state police, continues to address these issues through increased surveillance and targeted operations. The community remains concerned about the youthful age of the offenders and the implications for their future.