14-year-old driving five kids in stolen SUV leads Alabama troopers on chase, cops say

A carload of juveniles led the Alabama Highway Patrol on an interstate chase, and it ended only after spike strips blew out the tires, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Six people were in the vehicle, ranging in age from 11 to 14, the agency said in a news release.

It happened Tuesday, Nov. 9, and the group traveled more than 30 miles before being stopped about 14 miles northwest of Montgomery in the town of Prattville.

The chase began around 8 a.m., when state troopers “attempted to stop a stolen 2008 Ford Expedition” on Interstate 65, officials said.

“The pursuit continued into the Prattville City Limits where the Expedition struck several vehicles in an attempt to elude law enforcement,” officials said.

“Officers with the Prattville Police Department assisted ALEA by utilizing spike strips which deflated the vehicle’s tires. Shortly after spiking the Expedition, it crashed into two other vehicles at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Main Street.”

A 14-year-old was driving at the time of the crash, officials said.

Inside the vehicle, troopers found “an 11-year-old, a 12-year-old, two 13-year-olds and two 14-year-olds,” officials said.

“The 14-year-old driver will be charged with receiving stolen property first-degree, assault first-degree, speeding, attempting to elude and reckless endangerment,” officials said.

Investigators did not say where and when the vehicle was stolen.

The group of juveniles included a mix of males and females, AL.com reported. The five passengers are not likely to be charged, the site said.

This story was originally published November 9, 2021 at 4:58 PM with the headline "14-year-old driving five kids in stolen SUV leads Alabama troopers on chase, cops say."