NJ Teens Lead Long Island Cops On Chase; 5 Officers Injured: Police

FLOWER HILL, NY — Five police officers were injured on Long Island last weekend after three New Jersey teens hit their cruisers with a stolen car.

The Newark teens — two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old — were taken into custody after leading police on a chase that caused half a million dollars in damage to the vehicles, according to authorities.

Some of the officers may have suffered career-ending injuries during Sunday's pursuit, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said at a news conference. All five officers were placed on medical leave because of their injuries, Ryder said.

The chase happened near the Flower Hill area around 12:15 p.m.

RELATED: Teens Lead Police On Chase, Ram Stolen Car Into Patrol Vehicles: PD

Authorities say an officer spotted a 2020 blue Mercedes Benz, which was previously reported stolen in Roslyn, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. But the driver, aged 16, refused to comply and then rammed into a patrol vehicle to avoid arrest.

"The Mercedes-Benz received a flat tire and damage to the front," Ryder said. "They continued to drive on the rim of the car, going down Northern Boulevard. (The driver) then rammed into two more of my police cars."

The vehicle eventually stopped on the Long Island Expressway, where the three teens were placed under arrest. A loaded 9mm pistol was found in the car, police said.

All three teens were taken to a nearby hospital for assessment and treatment. Three officers and two detectives were also hospitalized, according to authorities.

The teens have been charged with second-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Police say the driver has also been charged with five counts of second-degree assault and third-degree unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.