A 15-year-old from Fairfield is facing multiple charges after police claim he sped away from them at up to 130 mph and caused a multi-car accident on Interstate 95 earlier this week.
The teen, according to New York State Police, was operating a Lexus with “switched” Connecticut license plates. They claimed the automobile was not reported stolen.
The New Rochelle state police received a “Be On the Lookout” alert about a poor driver around 2:15 a.m. Monday, according to the department. After fleeing cops in New York City’s 4th Precinct, the automobile was seen driving north on Interstate 95.
According to the police report, troopers stationed at Larchmont’s Exit 17 observed two cars “traveling at excessive speeds.” According to state police, officers began chasing the cars but lost sight of the lead vehicle and only pursued the second.
According to a news statement from the state police, “the pursuit lasted about three minutes, went five miles, and reached speeds of up to 130 mph.”
The agency reported that four passengers and the 15-year-old driver were brought to the hospital for back and neck problems.
According to New York State Police, the other passengers in the Lexus were three female Bridgeport youths ages 15 to 17 and a Milford lad aged 16. The office representative confirmed that they are not charging the passengers in the Lexus.
According to state police, three further vehicles were involved in the accident: a 2022 BMW X5, a 2023 Toyota RAV4, and a 2014 Mercedes Sprinter van. State police transported all eleven drivers and passengers in those cars, including the five children in the Lexus, to the hospital.
According to state police, all 16 collision victims have now been released from hospitals.
The 15-year-old Lexus driver is facing charges of reckless driving, three counts of fourth-degree criminal damage, and fifteen counts of third-degree assault, according to police. He has also been charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and leaving a police officer behind while driving.
The police informed the parents of the involved youngsters about the incident.
New York State officials are still searching for the lead car that evaded police and refused to stop.