Authorities in Ohio say two teenage girls allegedly took a staff member’s car from a group home in Dayton and led police on a high-speed chase spanning multiple jurisdictions, reaching speeds near 100 mph.
A Chase That Crossed County Lines
The incident began around 1:15 a.m. last Monday, when police say the teens, ages 13 and 15, took the vehicle from the group home in Montgomery County and headed north toward Bowling Green. Authorities say Bowling Green police were alerted after a license plate reader flagged the vehicle as stolen near Route 25 and Demps Road.
Dash camera video shows officers attempting a traffic stop, but the driver — later identified as the 13-year-old — fled instead. Police said they weren’t aware at the time that the driver and passenger were both juveniles. The pursuit continued through the area, with the stolen car reportedly passing Perrysburg police during the chase.
Why the Teens Took the Car
Investigators later learned the teens were residents of the group home and allegedly took the vehicle after a caregiver had confiscated their cellphones earlier that evening. Authorities say the situation escalated quickly once the car was taken.
The Crash and Arrests
The chase ended near the intersection of Route 25 and Interstate 475, where the stolen car struck another vehicle. The driver of that other car was not injured, according to police. Both teens got out and attempted to run from the scene before being taken into custody.
The 13-year-old sustained a shoulder injury and was taken to a hospital, where she remained hospitalized. The 15-year-old appeared before a judge later that day in Wood County Juvenile Court, where she was appointed legal counsel and ordered to remain in custody.
What Comes Next
Both teens are charged with receiving stolen property and failure to comply with police orders. Authorities say the case may ultimately be transferred to the county where the teens reside, and the 15-year-old was scheduled to return to court on Jan. 15.