Twelve-year-old apprehended after high-speed chase

In the early hours of Feb. 27th, 2024, at approximately 02:30 a.m., Terre Haute Police Department Uniformed Officers observed two vehicles traveling at high speed northbound on S. Seventh Street near the intersection of Hulman Street.

The vehicles were observed going airborne as they crossed the intersection.

Officers promptly attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, both vehicles failed to stop and pursuit was initiated. During the short pursuit, one of the vehicles, a black Kia Optima, experienced mechanical failure, prompting the driver and passenger to flee from the scene near the intersection of South Seventh Street and College Ave.

Subsequently, Officers located and apprehended the driver, identified as a 12-year-old male, who was taken into custody and transported to the Vigo County Juvenile Center.

Further investigation uncovered that the vehicle had been freshly stolen from another location within the city. The juvenile was placed under arrest for Auto Theft, Felony Resisting Law Enforcement and Misdemeanor Resisting Law Enforcement.

The investigation will continue and further information will be released as permitted.

It has been observed by the department that KIA vehicles are increasingly targeted due to the ease of manipulating their ignition systems. In light of this, the Terre Haute Police Department urges vehicle owners to bolster security measures by ensuring their vehicles are locked at all times and utilizing secondary safety devices like steering wheel locks in an attempt to deter theft.