National

Teen crashed at 100 mph in stolen car, Virginia cops say. Then came the shocking part

A runaway teen was leading sheriff’s deputies on a 100 mph chase on Interstate 81 when she hit a pole and flipped three times in this vehicle. She survived.
A runaway teen was leading sheriff’s deputies on a 100 mph chase on Interstate 81 when she hit a pole and flipped three times in this vehicle. She survived. Smyth County Sheriff’s Office photo

The idea of a runaway teen girl getting caught driving a stolen car at 100 mph may seem shocking, but it’s what happened during the police chase that is beyond belief, according to a report from the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia.

The girl, who is from North Carolina, lost control of the car, hit a utility pole, went airborne, flipped multiple times -- and still managed to sustain only minor injuries, the report says.

Plus, she’s only 16.

Photos shared by the sheriff’s office show the stolen Honda was upside down, minus most of its tires and unrecognizable when she stepped out of the wreckage without need of assistance.

The teen has not been identified, but she and the car are from the Fort Bragg area of Fayetteville in eastern North Carolina, a press release said.

Investigators say the incident happened Tuesday on southbound Interstate 81, when a deputy spotted a 2009 Honda driving recklessly at 83 mph in a 70 mph zone, according to the release.

When the deputy tried to stop the car, it exited the interstate and began accelerating “at speeds exceeding 100 mph,” the release said.

“The vehicle lost control, left the roadway, struck a utility pole and rolled over several times before coming to rest,” the release said. “A female exited the vehicle and surrendered ... The juvenile was flown to Bristol Regional Medical Center and treated.”

She has since been charged as a juvenile with felony eluding law enforcement, reckless driving, and possession of stolen property, the release said.

“And the parents of the juvenile were contacted,” officials said.

This story was originally published January 10, 2020 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Teen crashed at 100 mph in stolen car, Virginia cops say. Then came the shocking part."

MP
Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
Mark Price is a state reporter for The Charlotte Observer and McClatchy News outlets in North Carolina. He joined the network of newspapers in 1991 at The Charlotte Observer, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. 
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER