Three juveniles from out of state found themselves in trouble in Webster Parish with police after a joy ride landed them in juvenile detention.
The three juveniles were transported to the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta for housing pending the arrival of their parents. The driver is 15-year-old black male of Dallas, Texas. The front seat passenger is 14-year-old black female and the back seat passenger is 16-year-old black male, both of Jackson, Mississippi.
The driver faces charges of driving in the left lane, aggravated flight and no driver’s license in Bossier Parish. In Webster Parish, he faces charges of aggravated flight, resisting an officer by flight, no driver’s license and illegal possession of stolen things. He also faces additional charges as a fugitive from Texas for a probation violation, aggravated battery, theft and felony theft.
The two juvenile passengers each face resisting an officer by flight charge in Webster Parish.
Just after 8 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, Louisiana State Police reportedly observed a silver Nissan Altima traveling east on Interstate 20 around mile marker 31 impeding the flow of traffic in the left lane.
After troopers observed the violation, they attempted to stop the vehicle, which fled eastbound at speeds in excess of 100 miles-per-hour. The vehicle continued east into Webster Parish and veered into a small field on the south side of the interstate near a wooded area.
Once the vehicle came to a stop, troopers say the three occupants fled on foot.
Troopers located the trio immediately following the pursuit at a nearby church where they were attempting to hide among several elderly U.S. veterans. After further investigation, state police discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen in Dallas on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 10.
“This is yet another example of how proactive patrol efforts combat crime and make our communities safer,” State Trooper Matt Harris said. “These runaway juveniles were not only captured, but captured safely while in the act of committing crimes. This incident will hopefully change their lives for the better and prevent them from living a life of crime.”