3 juveniles from Milwaukee County arrested after pursuit, crash involving stolen vehicle
NEW BERLIN -- Three young people from Milwaukee County were taken into police custody following a pursuit that ended in New Berlin early Wednesday morning, June 20. The vehicle involved was stolen from a residence in West Allis.
The incident began in Brookfield around 4 a.m. after officers attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding in the area of Moorland and I-94. The driver fled -- and Brookfield police terminated the pursuit in the area of Moorland Road and Greenfield Avenue.
Police pursuit ends in New Berlin
Michael Glider
Shortly thereafter, the chase picked back up when New Berlin officers spotted the vehicle near Calhoun and Cleveland.
"Attempted to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle. It took off again," said New Berlin Police Captain Michael Glider.
The driver lost control in the parking lot of New Berlin West High School and crashed into a ditch. The teenage suspects inside took off.
New Berlin West High School
"Three male subjects, all 13-14 years old, fled on foot through a heavily wooded area," said Captain Glider.
Police set up a perimeter around James Blodgett's property.
Police pursuit ends in New Berlin
James Blodgett
"At least 10 squads. A couple sheriffs. I think they maybe had two or three dogs," said Blodgett.
Blodgett said he called 911 after his roommate spotted one suspect hiding out. It helped officers track the teens down.
"They were really polite and nice and saying 'thank you.' They said they probably wouldn't have caught them if I didn't call," said Blodgett.
As police focused their investigation back to the stolen car, they found a loaded gun inside.
Police pursuit ends in New Berlin
Captain Glider said the teens took it to the extreme.
"We've been telling teenagers, 13 and 14 years old, to get out of the house and stop playing video games and get out and be active. This is not what we meant by that," Glider said.
The driver of the vehicle will be charged with eluding and resisting/obstructing an officer. The two passengers will be charged with resisting/obstructing an officer.
The investigation is ongoing.