2 Children In Custody After Car Chase Ends In Crash: Stamford Police

STAMFORD, CT — A car chase through Stamford Friday afternoon ended with several damaged vehicles and injuries to police and the suspects involved, the Stamford Police Department announced Saturday.

Two juveniles who are not Stamford residents were taken into custody, police said. The ages of the children were not released.

The incident began at approximately 2:30 p.m. on May 9 when Stamford Police patrol officers responded to Stillmeadow Elementary School after reports of a vehicle explosion behind the school released a white powdery substance, police said in a Facebook post.

The vehicle, a blue Crown Victoria resembling a police-style car, fled the scene as officers arrived, police said.

"Given the nature of the report and potential risk to public safety, officers initiated a vehicle pursuit out of concern the vehicle could pose a serious threat," police said. "The pursuit continued through the city and ended in High Ridge Park, where the suspect vehicle collided with multiple police cruisers."

Several motor vehicle collisions were reported and injuries to responding officers and the suspects, two juveniles who were taken into custody, police said.

"A thorough investigation by the Stamford Police Bomb Squad determined the powdery substance was the result of an accidentally activated fire suppression device in the vehicle and posed no threat to the public," police said. "Initial findings do not indicate that the school was targeted, and there is no ongoing danger."

There were no injuries reported to members of the public, police noted.

"While the situation ultimately proved non-hazardous, it was perceived by school staff and officers as potentially dangerous, and they responded accordingly," police said. "We commend our officers for their swift, coordinated response and their commitment to ensuring public safety in the face of an uncertain and alarming situation."

Police said the incident is unrelated to "several minor physical altercations" that occurred Friday afternoon at Westhill High School.

Investigations in both cases are ongoing.