Youths — 16 And 11 — Crash Stolen Car Head-On In Stafford: State Cops

STAFFORD, CT — A 16-year-old and an 11-year-old in a stolen Jeep crashed into another car head-on in Stafford Tuesday before both were chased down on foot, state police said.

The car barreled its way through four towns, state police said.

At 7 a.m. Tuesday, the state police Troop C barracks in Tolland was contacted by the Willimantic Police Department about a 2019 Jeep Compass that was reported stolen from Main Street. It had last been seen heading north on Route 32 toward Mansfield, according to an incident report.

State police first observed the vehicle traveling north on Route 32 through Mansfield and into Willington, at which point a trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop north of the intersection of Route 32 and Route 74, but broke off the pursuit because of excessive speed, according to an incident report.

A short time later, another trooper observed the Jeep heading north on RT 32 toward Stafford and, before the trooper could catch up to it and initiate a second stop attempt, the Jeep collided head-on with another vehicle that was traveling south on Route 32, according to an incident report.

Both occupants of the stolen vehicle attempted to flee on foot and were apprehended shortly after, state police said.

The occupants of the second car were listed in a state police report as a 47-year-old Stafford man. All those involved in the accident sustained minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment, according to an incident report.

The 16-year-old male driver of the stolen car was referred to juvenile court after being charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, first-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, evading responsibility, passing in a no-passing zone, a lane violation, a traffic control violation, driving without a license, possession of cannabis while younger than 21, possession of burglar tools and interfering with police.

The 11-year-old passenger was charged with possession of burglar tools, larceny of a motor vehicle and interfering with police, according to a report. The boy was also referred to juvenile court, state police said.